Asahi Group Acquires Beer Businesses in Central and Eastern Europe For €7.3 Billion
Anheuser-Busch InBev has agreed to sell the businesses formerly owned by SABMiller in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania to Asahi Group Holdings of Japan for €7.3 billion, subject to customary adjustments. The disposal is in line with the commitments made by Anheuser-Busch InBev to the European Commission in order remove EU competition concerns arising from its acquisition of SABMiller.
Asahi is acquiring businesses in five countries in Central and Eastern Europe relating to the Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Tyskie and other brands, together with intellectual property rights associated with Pilsner Urquell, Kozel and Tyskie brands (excluding intellectual property rights associated with Pilsner Urquell, Tyskie and Lech in the US and Puerto Rico; Miller brands in the five countries in Central and Eastern Europe; and Redd’s brand except in the five countries in Central and Eastern Europe).
Asahi had already purchased a strong business platform in Western Europe in October 2016, comprising Italian, Dutch, UK and other related assets from SABMiller, including global premium brands such as Peroni and Grolsch, for €2.55 billion.
Through its latest acquisition, together with its Asahi Super Dry, Peroni and Grolsch brands, Asahi aims to establish a unique position as a global player, mainly focusing on a leading premium brand portfolio to achieve sustainable growth.
