P.M. BRIEFING : Otsuka Buys Crystal Geyser

Japanese company Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Inc. has purchased controlling interest in Crystal Geyser Water Co., company officials announced.

Neither company would comment on the terms of the transaction. But in a written statement, Crystal Geyser spokesman Kevin McClanahan said the deal will enable the company--one of the five largest water bottling companies in the country--to expand its marketing and distribution.

Crystal Geyser will also gain access to Otsuka’s beverages, including a popular Japanese sports drink and fruit-flavored soft drinks.

Crystal Geyser’s current product lineup includes natural sparkling water, sparkling water with fruit juice, citrus-flavored mineral water and a spring water produced through a joint venture with Societe Roxane of France.