Diageo to Exit East African Breweries as Asahi Takes Control Diageo is selling its 65% stake in East African Breweries to Japan’s Asahi in a landmark deal that reshapes East Africa’s beer and spirits landscape. While Diageo exits ownership, it stays in-market through long-term licensing for Guinness and other global brands. Completion is expected in 2026, pending approvals.

Global spirits giant Diageo has agreed to sell its majority stake in East African Breweries Limited (EABL) to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings, marking a significant shift in the ownership of East Africa’s largest beer producer. Under the deal, Diageo will sell its 65% shareholding in EABL, along with its interests in the Kenyan spirits business, United Distillers and Vintners Kenya (UDVK), to Asahi. The transaction is expected to generate net proceeds of approximately $2.3 billion for Diageo after tax and transaction costs, valuing EABL at an implied enterprise value of $4.8 billion. Diageo said the disposal aligns with its strategy…