Suntory rules out Peroni acquisition

Japanese brewer Suntory has ruled itself out of the running for Peroni and Grolsch, according to reports.

(Photo: Peroni)

The Japanese company, which is the third largest beer maker in Japan had previously hinted the AB Inbev merger with SABMIller could present opportunities to move into the premium UK beer market, saying it opened up a more competitive situation globally.

Six weeks later, ABInbev confirmed it was to sell its Grolsch, Peroni and Meantime brands beer brands as part of the £71 billion merger.

However this week Suntory president Takeshi Niiami told Japanese media it would focus on its existing business and integrating the Jim Beam business it bought in 2014 rather than acquisitions.

Bloomberg reported Niiami as saying: “We have to concentrate on integration of Beam – we want to concentrate on this integration say at least for three to four years.”

The company last week stated its strategy in 2016 would be to develop its premium beer offering, including The Premium Malts, in both in the domestic and international markets.

Earlier this week, Japanese brewer Asahi Beer emerged as a potential contender for the beer brands, after the Yomiuri Shimbu newspaper reported talks of a proposed £2.4billion takeover deal. It followed rumours that former Diageo CEO Paul Walsh was in talks to buy the Peroni and Grolsch beer brands.