Asahi Breweries, Ltd. has paid nearly 10 billion euros in 2016 to buy European beer brands owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev NV:
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. agreed to buy SABMiller Plc's central and eastern European assets from Anheuser-Busch InBev NV for 7.3 billion euros ($7.8 billion), in a move that catapults Japan's largest brewer to third place on the continent.
Asahi expects the acquisition -- which spans five countries and includes beer brands such as Pilsner Urquell, Kozel and Tyskie -- to close in the first half of 2017, the Tokyo-based brewer said in a statement Tuesday. The deal would help Asahi position its overseas business as a growth engine to transform itself into a global powerhouse, it said.
The deal further strengthens Asahi's foothold in Europe after the Japanese brewer agreed to pay 2.55 billion euros for AB InBev's Peroni and Grolsch brands earlier this year. For AB InBev, the divestment brings it a step closer to meeting the antitrust commitments that allowed it to buy SABMiller for about $100 billion.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by GungnirSniper on Thursday December 15 2016, @04:36PM
Sometimes "improving the product" is breaking what works. See New Coke, etc.
Tips for better submissions to help our site grow. [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 2) by FatPhil on Thursday December 15 2016, @05:28PM
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people; the smallest discuss themselves