Asahi Group Holdings to acquire Carlton & United Breweries

On  19 July, 2019, Asahi Group Holdings (AGH) announced it has reached an agreement with Anheuser-Busch InBev [ABI] to acquire the Carlton & United Breweries [CUB] business in Australia for AUD 16 billion [approx. ¥1.21 trillion].

 The deal includes CUB’s Australian brands, as well as the rights to commercialise ABI’s global and international brands in Australia.

This proposed deal would bring together some of Australia’s best known and most loved brands across the alcohol and non-alcohol categories, including Schweppes, Solo, Asahi and Peroni along with Carlton Draught, Victoria Bitter, Great Northern and Pure Blonde.

Peter Margin, Executive Chairman, Asahi Beverages said: “This is an exciting proposition for our business, and will support our vision to be the first choice in beverages.”

The deal will be subject to regulatory approval within Australia, and is expected to complete in Q1, 2020.