Guinness Nigeria Plc has acquired exclusive distribution rights to the International Premium Spirits (IPS) Brands of Diageo Plc in Nigeria.
The consideration for the transaction is approximately N2.35bn. The transaction is expected to be concluded by December 31, 2015 and the new distribution agreement for the IPS brands will become effective on January 1, January 2016 subject to receiving all regulatory approvals.
As part of the transaction, Guinness Nigeria will also take over various assets including the current inventory of Diageo Brands Nigeria Limited, the wholly owned Diageo business which currently distributes and markets the IPS brands in Nigeria.
Commenting on the transaction, the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa, said the transaction we are announcing today will facilitate the achievement of our ambition to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products company in Nigeria by leveraging the strength of our unparalleled portfolio of beer, adult premium non-alcoholic drinks (APNADs), ready to drink (RTDs) as well as spirits.
The integration of the Diageo IPS brands with the Guinness Nigeria brand portfolio best fits our strategy of filling the gap in our total beverage alcohol portfolio, and allows us to compete across segments within the market.