By Ian Neubauer
Kirin Holdings of Japan has further solidified its global presence after successfully acquiring a 20 per cent stake in the San Miguel Brewery – one of the largest beverage firms in Southeast Asia.
The announcement marks the transfer of $747 million to the San Miguel Corporation and public shareholders in the Philippines for 19.23 per cent of the brewer’s shares, following the inking of an agreement on February 20.
It also increases Kirin’s stake in San Miguel Brewery to 48.3 per cent and will improve governance at the brewery, according to Filipino Trade and Industry Secretary, Manuel A Roxas, government facilitator for the deal.
The San Miguel Corporation still owns controlling interest – 51 per cent – of the San Miguel Brewery, producer of the number one selling beer in the Philippines and Hong Kong as well as five other brands.
Facing a shrinking home market, Kirin is expanding aggressively into F&B in the Asia Pacific region.
Last week Lion Nathan announced it had agreed to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate, bringing the value of its Australian portfolio to more than $10 billion.