Anheuser-Busch InBev Offloads to Japan's Top Beer Company Asahi

The Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors merger that completed this year is no secret seeing as the world's top two brewers joined and now account for approximately 30% of the world's beer. In order to satisfy anti-trust laws in various countries and complete the merger, Anheuser-Busch InBev has sold a number of its eastern and central European brands to Japan's Asahi Beer Ltd. for approximately $7.8 billion in total assets.

Brands sold include Peroni, Grolsch, Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Tyskie, Lech and others from countries including Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia and others The purchase could be interpreted as an opportunity for Asahi to establish a foothold as an influential global player, a position not previously enjoyed. Asahi paid a premium to win the bid against competition including private-equity firm Bain Capital and Swiss investment firm Jacobs Holding AG.

Article Source: Seeking Alpha