Castel has denied that it is in talks to sell its African beer arm to SABMiller for GBP6bn (US$9.5bn).

Guy de Clerq, the chief financial officer of Castel’s beer division, Les Brasseries & Glacieres Internationales, told Reuters today (7 October) that there were no talks to sell the business. His comments follow a report by the Times newspaper in the UK that SABMiller could pay GBP6bn (US$9.5bn) to acquire BGI. It did not quote sources.

SABMiller already works with BGI in 19 African countries and holds a 20% stake in the business. A takeover of the French group would significantly enhance SABMiller’s footprint in a key growth region for beer.

An SABMiller spokesperson declined to comment on the speculation when contacted by just-drinks. However, he added that the Peroni Nastro Azzurro brewer remained keen to expand in Africa. “Africa continues to be a dynamic growth market for SABMiller and we continue to look for opportunities to grow there,” he said. 

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