Diageo has announced the sale of its 100% stake in Diageo Kenya Limited, which controls 65% of East African Breweries Limited (EABL), to the Japanese group Asahi, including its stake in the UDVK spirits business in Kenya. EABL, the largest brewery in East Africa with a presence in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will retain operational control and continue to consolidate UDVK.
Asahi, a global leader in beverages, plans to maintain the most beloved local brands while introducing its international brands to the region. As part of the agreement, Diageo will sign licensing contracts and transitional service agreements, allowing EABL to continue producing and distributing brands such as Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Smirnoff Ice, Orijin, and Guinness, in addition to its local brands like Tusker and Kenya Cane.
Nik Jhangiani, interim CEO of Diageo, highlighted that the operation generates shareholder value and strengthens the group’s financial structure, while maintaining the commitment to the community and consumers of East Africa. For his part, Atsushi Katsuki, CEO of Asahi, noted that the acquired company possesses state-of-the-art facilities, a solid management team, and a leading brand portfolio, and that Asahi will seek sustainable growth and value enhancement in the medium and long term, contributing to local economic development.
