AB InBev sells Australian subsidiary Carlton & United Brewery to Asahi for AU$16bn

Anheuser-Busch InBev has announced an agreement for the sale of its Australian subsidiary to Asahi Group Holdings.

Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) will be acquired for AU$16bn (US$11.3bn). Asahi will also gain the rights to commercialise AB InBev’s global brands in Australia. Carlton & United Breweries are the owner of some of Australia’s best selling beers, including Victoria Bitter.

Carlos Brito, Chief Executive Officer of AB InBev, said, “We continue to see great potential for our business in APAC and the region remains a growth engine within our company. With our unparalleled portfolio of brands, strong commercial plans and talented people, we are uniquely positioned to capture opportunities for growth across the APAC region.”

SEE ALSO:

• AB InBev’s Pirate Life to build SA’s largest craft brewery at Port Adelaide

• Beverage startup Nexba raises AU$6mn

• New Zealand’s Fonterra to partner with Coca-Cola in Southeast Asia

• Read the latest issue of Business Chief, ANZ edition, here

In its 19 July press release, AB InBev framed the deal in terms of growth opportunities, with the sale allowing its expansion into other fast-growing APAC regions. AB InBev said it would use the proceeds from the sale to pay down existing debt. Asahi identified the strength of some of CUB’s brands including Carlton and Great Northern, saying that the move aligned with its strategy of acquiring global premium brands. Asahi is already involved in the Australian market via brands such as Peroni.

The transaction is subject to the usual conditions, including approval from Australian regulators. The transaction is expected to have closed by the first quarter of 2020.

AB InBev is listed on the Euronext stock exchange under the symbol “ABI”, while Asahi is on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the symbol “2502”.