TWE bought Chateau and Estate Wines, along with Percy Fox, for $552 million. This follows Diageo’s stated goal of moving away from non-core businesses. Following the transaction, Diageo’s wine portfolio will include a number of smaller interests.
From the press release:
Diageo has agreed the sale of its major wine interests in an agreement with Treasury Wine Estates relating to the US based Chateau and Estate Wines and the UK based Percy Fox businesses for a consideration of $552 million.
The net proceeds of approximately £320 million, after tax and transaction costs will be used to repay borrowings. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to complete around the end of the calendar year.
Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo, said, “Diageo’s strategy is to drive stronger, sustained performance through focus on our core portfolio and today’s announcement is another element of that strategy in action. Wine is no longer core to Diageo and this sale gives us greater focus.
“With the completion of this transaction Diageo will have released £1 billion from the sale of non-core assets since the start of the financial year. This proactive portfolio approach has focused the business, enhanced our financial strength, improved our returns and strengthened the business, positioning us even more firmly to deliver our performance ambition.”
In June 2010 Diageo realised $260 million (approximately £174 million) from a sale and leaseback arrangement for certain land and facilities which Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines operates.
The transaction is approximately 1.2 pence per share dilutive to pre-exceptional eps in the first full year assuming a marginal interest rate of 2.5%. The transaction will result in an exceptional loss on disposal of approximately £150 million after tax.
Diageo continues to be the guarantor under the June 2010 sale and leaseback agreement and in accounting for the disposal Diageo has fair valued the guarantee assuming it expires in 2030.
Following completion of this transaction Diageo’s wine interests are limited to Justerini & Brooks Wine Merchants, the Argentinian wine business of Navarro Correas, the wine brands of Mey Icki and USL, the Chalone brand and assets and the Acacia winery and vineyard.
