Nissin becomes majority partner in URC noodle venture to boost market impact

Manila, Philippines – Universal Robina Corporation (URC) is selling a 21% stake in its instant noodle joint venture, Nissin Universal Robina Corporation (NURC), to Nissin Foods Asia Co., Ltd. (NFA). Once completed, NFA will hold a 70% majority stake, leaving URC with 30%.

The deal, approved by URC’s Board of Directors on 13 March 2026, involves the sale of 39,690,000 shares. The final price per share will be determined later, with the transaction expected to close by December 2026. It is also subject to approval by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and other customary closing procedures.

NURC, a joint venture formed in 1994, focuses on the manufacture and sale of instant noodles in the Philippines. Before this transaction, URC held 51% and NFA 49% of the venture.

URC said the move is designed to “refine the partnership to further accelerate NURC’s development,” enabling NFA to take a more active role in product innovation and brand building. URC will also continue as the local operating partner, leveraging its market expertise and distribution network in the Philippines.

Following the completion of the sale, NFA will consolidate NURC in its financial statements. URC emphasised that this change in reporting will not disrupt ongoing operations, which are expected to continue smoothly throughout the transition.