AB InBev and Anadolu Efes tweak Russian JV deal

Anadolu Efes Biracilik ve Malt Sanayii

23/10/2024 08:41

LONDON, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Anheuser Busch-InBev  ABI.BR 
and Anadolu Efes  AEFES.IS  have tweaked the terms of a planned
deal that would see AB InBev exit a Russian joint venture with
the Turkish brewer, they said on Wednesday, after the initial
plan was rejected by Russian authorities.
    Anadolu Efes agreed to buy AB InBev out of the 50-50 joint
venture, spanning Russia and Ukraine, as the world's top brewer
looked to sell its interest following Russia's invasion of
Ukraine. The companies said in August that Russian authorities
had rejected the deal. 
    The companies said in separate statements AB InBev had now
agreed to buy Anadolu Efes' stake in the venture's Ukraine
business, while Anadolu Efes would acquire AB InBev's stake in
the Russian business. They did not elaborate on the reason for
the change. 
    "The transaction, including the purchase price and other
terms, is subject to required governmental and other regulatory
approvals," AB InBev said, adding there can be no assurances as
to when or whether those will be obtained. 
    Anadolu Efes added that the joint venture will continue
normal operations in the meantime. 

 (Reporting by Emma Rumney; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
 ((Emma.Rumney@thomsonreuters.com; +447391409253;))