Diageo to Sell Controlling Stake in East African Breweries to Asahi in $4.8 Billion Deal
Diageo plc has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its controlling shareholding in East African Breweries Limited (EABL) to Asahi Group Holdings in a landmark $4.8 billion transaction, reshaping the consumer goods and beverage landscape across East Africa.
NAIROBI / LONDON — Global spirits leader Diageo plc has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its 100% shareholding in Diageo Kenya Limited, which holds a 65.00% controlling stake in East African Breweries PLC , to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd., in a landmark deal with an implied enterprise value of $4.8 billion for EABL.
The transaction represents the largest-ever investment by a Japanese brewing conglomerate into an African beverage alcohol company, marking a major milestone in East Africa’s consumer and industrial landscape.
Under the terms of the agreement, Diageo will generate estimated net cash proceeds of $2.3 billion after taxes and transaction costs. The valuation reflects an enterprise multiple of 17x adjusted EBITDA. In addition to its indirect 65% interest in EABL, the deal includes Diageo’s 53.68% direct shareholding in UDV Kenya Limited (UDVK), a major spirits producer and importer based in Nairobi.
“This transaction delivers both significant value for Diageo shareholders and accelerates our commitment to strengthen our balance sheet,” said Nik Jhangiani, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Diageo. “We remain committed to returning the group to well within our target leverage ratio range of 2.5 to 3.0x through disposals of non-strategic, non-core assets.”
The divestment completes a broader strategic exit by Diageo from direct brewing operations across the African continent, following earlier disposals of brewing assets in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. The shift enables Diageo to transition toward an asset-light model focused on its core global spirits portfolio while deleveraging its balance sheet by approximately 0.25x.
Despite transferring ownership, Diageo will maintain an enduring operational footprint in East Africa through long-term licensing and transitional service agreements. EABL will retain rights for the continued local production and distribution of iconic brands including Guinness, Smirnoff, Smirnoff Ice, Captain Morgan, and Orijin, as well as the exclusive distribution of Diageo’s international premium spirits portfolio across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
“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 presence,” said Atsushi Katsuki, President and Group CEO of Asahi Group Holdings. “Together with its excellent management team and employees, we will pursue sustainable growth and medium- to long-term enhancement of corporate value.”
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, EABL reported net sales of $996 million, EBITDA of $258 million, and net income of $94 million, with net debt standing at $229 million. EABL operates major production subsidiaries across the region, including Kenya Breweries Limited, Uganda Breweries Limited, Serengeti Breweries Limited in Tanzania, and East African Maltings Limited.
Asahi confirmed that EABL is expected to remain publicly listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), the Uganda Securities Exchange, and the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange following completion. Subject to regulatory approvals across relevant jurisdiction authorities, final closing is expected in the second half of calendar year 2026.
Written by
Read next
Capitalworks Secures $15 Million from Proparco for Fourth Flagship Fund to Back South African Mid-Market
South African private equity heavyweight Capitalworks has secured a $15 million commitment from Proparco to drive mid-market expansion, strengthen ESG standards, and catalyze employment across the region.
Moroccan Water Infrastructure Leader SNCE Welcomes CDG Invest Growth and Mediterrania Capital Partners as Minority Shareholders
The historic hydraulic engineering firm is bringing in institutional investors to accelerate regional expansion across Africa and the Middle East while keeping the founding Laraqui family at the helm.
AHL Venture Partners Hits $45.5 Million Second Close for Africa Credit Fund I Following $15 Million Commitment
The pan-African debt fund has advanced toward its $70 million target, backed by Ceniarth and co-investors, to scale senior secured and mezzanine lending across high-impact sectors.
Grindstone Ventures Launches New $31.2 million Fund to Close Africa's Post-Seed Funding Gap
The newly established vehicle, led by an all-female founding team, is designed to bridge the post-seed funding gap and prepare high-growth African enterprises for Series A readiness.
Mauritius Commercial Bank Structures $51 Million Loan to Support Tolaram Group's Guinness Nigeria Refinancing
The Mauritian financial institution has finalized a strategic medium-term facility to help the Singaporean multinational optimize its capital structure following its high-profile acquisition of Guinness Nigeria.
Nairobi-Based EV and Battery-as-a-Service Pioneer ARC Ride Secures $33.3 Million in Combined Equity and Debt Financing
Kenyan electric mobility leader ARC Ride has closed a massive $33.3 million funding round backed by a consortium of top-tier venture capital firms and international development finance institutions to scale its pan-African operations.