Asahi to buy some AB InBev beer brands for $7.8bn

Japanese brewer Asahi has agreed to buy Anheuser Busch InBev’s beer businesses in five countries in Central and Eastern Europe for $7.8bn.

AB InBev has agreed to sell the brands in order to get clearance from competition regulators for its $100bn takeover of SABMiller.

Under the terms of the deal, Asahi will buy businesses and operations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Romania as well as the intellectual property rights relating to the brands, including Pilsner, Urquell, Tyskie, Lecher and Dreier.

Asahi said the target business was highly compatible with its existing business in Western Europe and will strengthen its platform, allowing the company to grow sustainably across Europe.

“Through the acquisition of the target business, together with Super Dry, Peroni and Grolsch, Asahi aims to establish a unique position as a global player, mainly focusing on a leading premium brand portfolio to achieve sustainable growth,” it said.

Asahi said its strategy is to enhance its cash generating power through its international business by maximising synergies with its existing business in Europe, the second-largest platform next to its domestic operations, along with merging the brand power and cost competitiveness it has cultivated in Japan.