Diageo to Sell Controlling Stake in East African Breweries to Asahi in $4.8 Billion Deal

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.

Learn More at: https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/diageo-enters-into-agreement-to-sell-its-shareholding-in-eabl-to-asahi-group-holdings-ltd