Asahi Group Holdings, the Japanese brewing and beverages giant, has picked Absa Bank Kenya PLC, ENS Africa, A&O Shearman and Nomura Holdings to advise on its USD 2.3 billion acquisition of a 65% controlling stake in East African Breweries Plc (EABL) from Diageo Plc, a transaction that ranks among the largest consumer-sector deals ever executed in East Africa. The advisory line-up brings together regional execution strength and global deal expertise. Absa Bank Kenya PLC is acting as financial adviser alongside Nomura, the Japan-headquartered investment bank, while ENS Africa and A&O Shearman, the London-headquartered global law firm, are providing legal counsel….
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East African Breweries Limited (EABL), one of East Africa’s most influential consumer goods companies, is entering a new era. This comes after its majority shareholder, Diageo, agreed to sell its entire 65% stake to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings. The transaction was disclosed through a statutory public announcement and an accompanying EABL press release. It is among the region’s most significant cross-border investments in the beverages sector. This deal will see a major Japanese brewer take control of a leading African alcohol business. Who is buying and who is selling The seller is Diageo, the global beverages group behind brands such…
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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…
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Three years after taking over the reins at Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), Adu Rando, the Brazilian Managing Director of the AB InBev subsidiary, has been promoted to Global Director, BEES…
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission has imposed a fine of USD 750,000 on global alcoholic beverages manufacturer Diageo Plc, the majority shareholder in East African Breweries Limited (EABL), for engaging in anti-competitive business practices across Uganda, Eswatini and Zambia. The ruling, contained in a 13-page decision issued on September 21, 2025, concluded that Diageo’s actions violated regional competition laws by restricting trade and distorting market dynamics within the COMESA region. The Commission’s decision follows a multi-year investigation into the company’s distribution and production agreements with local partners, which were found to contain clauses that…
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East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has secured overwhelming shareholder backing. At its 103rd virtual annual general meeting – even as speculation intensifies over Diageo’s planned scale down – EABL, on September 11, drew a record 2,640 shareholders from across several countries. It was more than triple the usual turnout, underscoring heightened investor interest amid global headlines about Diageo’s portfolio exit strategy. Near-unanimous mandate Every resolution on the agenda passed with resounding support. Shareholders confirmed an interim dividend of UGX67.6, and gave the green light to a final dividend of UGX148.7 per share. This will be payable in October and brings…
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In a surprise move, global beverage giant Diageo plc has announced the immediate departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Debra Crew, two years after officially taking the helm. The decision,…
East African Breweries Limited (EABL), the parent company of Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), recently announced its financial results for the year ended June 2024. Please take a couple of minutes to give us some highlights and the drivers of the financial report. Andrew Kilonzo: Yes, we have just finished our financial year. EABL, our shareholder, which is listed on the NSE and cross-listed here too, just announced a good year. We had a good year; we grew 12% (net sales value) on the back of the market issues. We were able to add value to EABL as a business, and…
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After doing what Uganda Breweries says is a “fantastic job leading the marketing team”, Emmy Hashakimana has been promoted to the role of Commercial Director. The new assignment is effective October 1st 2023. Prior to the promotion, Emmy has been the Marketing & Innovations Director since November 2020. According to an internal announcement this reporter has seen, the customer marketing function has also been transitioned from the marketing department to the sales department and will also report to the Commercial Director. A prolific and collaborative team leader, Emmy is hailed for “creating and executing a consumer-focused portfolio expansion strategy that…
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Serengeti Breweries Ltd has appointed Alfred Balikagira as its Operations Director – effective 01 November 2022. Alfred has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing operations at both operational and executive levels. He is currently the Supply Chain Director for Uganda Breweries Limited, a position he has held for the last 2 years and 9 months. Under his leadership, the Supply function has delivered a number of Capital projects including Brewing expansion, packaging line 5 completion as well as the recently launched Biomass project. Notable awards that UBL has received under his leadership include the most coveted Diageo’s Brewery of…
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