REG - Diageo PLC - Diageo agrees to sell EABL shareholding to Asahi

DiageoAnnouncement

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RNS Number : 8408L  Diageo PLC  17 December 2025

 

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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF
THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF UK DOMESTIC LAW
BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 ("MAR"), AND IS
DISCLOSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPANY'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 17 OF MAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

17 December 2025

 

Diageo enters into agreement to sell its shareholding in East African
Breweries plc ("EABL") to Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd ("Asahi")

 

·      Announcement today of agreement by Diageo to sell to Asahi its
65% shareholding in EABL, and its shareholding in the Kenyan spirits business,
UDVK.

·      Disposals consistent with Diageo's strategy of appropriate and
selective disposals of non-core assets, strengthening the balance sheet and
supporting our previously shared commitment to de-lever.

·      Estimated net proceeds after tax and transaction costs of $2.3bn,
equating to a multiple of 17x adjusted EBITDA, resulting in an implied
enterprise value for 100% of EABL of $4.8bn.

·      Transaction will de-lever Diageo's balance sheet by c.0.25x.

·      Diageo has committed to enter into long-term licensing agreements
with EABL to secure the continued production and distribution of Guinness,
local spirits and ready-to-drink brands, as well as the distribution of Diageo
international spirits.

·      The acquisition of EABL represents the first time a major
Japanese brewing business has made an investment of this size in an African
alcohol beverage business. Asahi is a strong, responsible and experienced
steward for the next phase of growth for EABL.

·      Subject to regulatory approvals, completion is expected in the
second half of calendar year 2026.

 

Today, Diageo announces that it has entered into an agreement to sell its 100%
shareholding in Diageo Kenya Limited, which holds 65.00% of the shares in EABL
to Asahi, including its shareholding in the Kenyan spirits business, UDVK.
Asahi is a Japanese listed global beverage leader offering a diverse portfolio
of brands centred on beer, alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as
food. Included in this transaction is Diageo's 53.68% directly owned
shareholding in UDVK, a Kenya based spirits producer and importer. EABL, which
owns the other 46.32%, has management control and fully consolidates UDVK.

 

EABL is the largest beer business in East Africa with a heritage that dates
back over a century and has delivered a strong growth track record in Kenya,
Uganda and Tanzania. Asahi intends to preserve beloved local brands while
introducing globally recognised names from its portfolio to consumers in East
Africa. EABL benefits from state-of-the-art production facilities, a seasoned
Board and management team with extensive experience, and strong relationships
with employees, local partners and customers.

 

Diageo has committed to enter into long term licensing agreements as well as
transitional service agreements with EABL. Locally owned brands will remain
owned by EABL (e.g. Tusker, Kenya Cane). There will be refreshed agreements
for EABL to produce certain Diageo spirits (e.g. Smirnoff, Captain Morgan) and
ready-to-drink brands (e.g. Smirnoff Ice, Orijin), as well as the iconic
Guinness brand under licence and the import and distribution of Diageo
international premium spirits.

 

Nik Jhangiani Interim Chief Executive Officer of Diageo said: "We are
incredibly proud of the achievements of EABL and our colleagues across Kenya,
Uganda and Tanzania. EABL and Diageo have built the largest beer business in
East Africa, a testament to driven people with a passion for the consumers and
communities they serve. We are excited to partner with Asahi through the
licensing of Diageo brands in the region going forward.

 

This transaction delivers both significant value for Diageo shareholders and
accelerates our commitment to strengthen our balance sheet. We remain
committed to returning the Group to well within our target leverage ratio
range of 2.5 - 3.0x through disposals of non-strategic, non-core assets,
alongside delivering positive operating leverage, and tighter capital
discipline. This disposal, alongside the recent announcement by USL(1) to
conduct a strategic review of its ownership of RCB(2), represent material
steps in delivering on this commitment."

 

(1)USL - United Spirits Limited, India. (2) RCB - Royal Challengers Bengaluru
cricket team

 

Atsushi Katsuki, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Director and
Representative Executive Officer of Asahi added:

"This business is a high-quality, leading company in Kenya, Uganda, and
Tanzania, with an unrivalled brand portfolio and marketing capabilities,
state-of-the-art production facilities and strong market shares. Together with
its excellent management team and employees, we will pursue sustainable growth
and medium- to long-term enhancement of corporate value, while contributing to
the development of the local economies."

 

Financials (3)

In the fiscal year ended 30 June 2025, EABL reported net sales of $996m, $258m
EBITDA and net income of $94m, with net debt at $229m.

 

Listings

 

Asahi expects EABL to remain listed on the Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania stock
exchanges post completion.

 

(3)Foreign exchange rates for KES:USD used to translate net sales, EBITDA, net
income at fiscal 25 cumulative weighted average rate 129.28. Net debt at spot
rate 30 June 2025 129.23

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Investor relations:

 

Sonya Ghobrial
 
+44 (0) 7392 784 784

Andy Ryan
 
+44 (0) 7803 854 842

Grace Murphy
 
+44 (0) 7514 726 167

 

Media relations:

 

Rebecca Perry
 
+44 (0) 7590 809 101

Clare Cavana
 
+44 (0) 7751 742 072

Isabel Batchelor
 
                +44 (0) 7731 988 857

 

The person responsible for arranging this announcement on behalf of Diageo is
Randall Ingber, General Counsel and Company Secretary.

 

Note to Editors

 

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection
of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie
Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One
vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries
around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange
(DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about
Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.
Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for
information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Asahi

Asahi is a global leader offering a diverse collection of brands centered on
beer, alcohol and non-alcohol beverages, and food. Our mission is to deliver
on our great taste promise and bring more fun to life. Established in Japan in
1889, the Group has always been committed to innovation and quality. This
dedication has brought together iconic brands and the expertise of renowned
breweries from around the world, including those with a rich heritage spanning
over centuries. Our approach has culminated in a globally recognized portfolio
of brands that includes premium beers such as Asahi Super Dry, Peroni Nastro
Azzurro, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch. "Make the world shine"
articulates Asahi Group's commitment to build connections among people,
thereby paving the way for a sustainable future together. Through these
connections, we can contribute to a brighter world, both today and in the
future. With a global presence primarily in Japan & East Asia, Europe,
Asia Pacific, we provide over 10 billion liters of beverages to consumers
worldwide and generate revenues of over JPY 2.9 trillion annually (c. USD
19bn). Headquartered in Japan, Asahi Group Holdings is listed on the Tokyo
Stock Exchange.

About EABL

EABL is a regional leader in beverage alcohol with an exceptional collection
of brands across beer and spirits. Although the business is concentrated on
three core markets of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, its products are sold in
more than 10 countries across Africa and beyond. The brands are an outstanding
combination of local jewels and international premium spirits. These include
among others Tusker, Guinness, Bell Lager, Serengeti Lager, Kenya Cane, Chrome
Vodka, Johnnie Walker, Captain Morgan and Smirnoff.

EABL's performance ambition is to be one of the best performing, most trusted
and respected consumer products companies in Africa. It is proud of the brands
that it makes and the enjoyment that they give to millions. EABL is passionate
about alcohol playing a positive role in society as part of a balanced
lifestyle.

 

ENDS

 

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