(Nov 17): Danish brewer Carlsberg A/S is considering selling part of its Asian operations, and Sapporo Holdings Ltd has emerged as a top candidate to make the purchase, people familiar with the matter said.
Carlsberg is in discussions with the Japanese company, which is leaning toward acquiring a minority stake in its Asian business, the people said. The sale may not proceed if an agreement can’t be reached on the ownership ratio and other terms, they said.
A Sapporo Holdings spokesperson declined to comment, saying it’s not the source of this information. A spokesperson for Carlsberg said the company doesn’t comment on market rumors or speculation.
Sapporo is also proceeding with the sale of its subsidiary Sapporo Real Estate Co, which operates high-profile Tokyo properties like Yebisu Garden Place, aiming to reach a conclusion by December.
The possible deal aligns with its strategy to strengthen its core beer business after selling off the real estate operations.
Sapporo Breweries Ltd, a subsidiary of Sapporo Holdings, announced in 2023 a business partnership with Carlsberg for the production and sale of Sapporo beer in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. By developing this into a capital alliance, Sapporo aims to better leverage Carlsberg’s sales network and boost sales of its beer in Asia.
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