Diageo considering possible sale of Guinness business - reports

By Henry Saker-Clark, PA Deputy Business Editor

Diageo is considering spinning off or selling its historic Guinness beer business, according to reports.

Bloomberg News reported on Friday that the drinks giant is also reviewing the future of its 34 per cent stake in Moët Hennessy, the drinks division of luxury firm LVMH.

It comes amid a testing period for Diageo boss Debra Crew, who has seen the company’s shares steadily decline under her leadership over the past year-and-a-half.

In November, Diageo shares hit their lowest level since 2017.

The company has already reportedly looked at the potential sale of its Pimms liqueur and Ciroc vodka brands over the past year.

The fresh reports said people familiar with the matter said a potential spin-off or sale of Guinness is being studied among a range of possibilities.

Bloomberg reported that the Irish business could be valued north of €9.5 billion, if it looked at a possible stock market listing or gauged possible takeover interest.

Guinness has been a key area of growth for the London-listed group in recent years.

In July, the company said strong sales of Guinness, on the back of a spike in popularity amongst young adults and particularly female drinkers, helped to drive an 18 per cent rise in beer sales across the company.

It came as the group revealed total sales dropped for the first time in around four years, amid weaker demand for scotch and rum.

Diageo has been contacted for comment.