Anheuser-Busch InBev receives a binding offer from Asahi to acquire part of SABMiller's European Business
15 February 2016
Anheuser-Busch InBev receives a binding offer from Asahi to acquire part of SABMiller's European Business
In line with its commitment to proactively address potential regulatory considerations, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has been exploring the sale of certain of SABMiller plc's European premium brands and their related businesses (excluding certain US rights) and is pleased to confirm that it has received a binding offer from Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. to acquire them.
Asahi's offer values the Peroni, Grolsch, and Meantime brand families and associated businesses in Italy, the Netherlands, UK and internationally at EUR 2,550 million on a debt free/cash free basis. The parties will now commence the relevant employee information and consultation processes applicable to a potential sale of these brands and businesses. AB InBev has agreed to a period of exclusivity with Asahi in respect of these brands and businesses while these consultation processes are ongoing.
Asahi's offer, if accepted by AB InBev, is conditional on the successful closing of the recommended acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev as announced on 11 November 2015, which itself contains certain regulatory pre-conditions and conditions, including approval by the European Commission of Asahi as a purchaser of the Peroni, Grolsch and Meantime brand families and related businesses. AB InBev will make a further announcement upon any formal acceptance by it of Asahi's offer.
Carlos Brito, Chief Executive Officer of AB InBev, said: "We are pleased to have received this binding offer from Asahi on the Peroni, Grolsch and Meantime brands and businesses - iconic beer brands with longstanding heritage and leading positions in core markets."
