Diageo strengthens its global position in tequila and its leading position in Mexico through transaction facilitated by the sale of Bushmill

Diageo has agreed with Casa Cuervo the acquisition of full global ownership and control of Tequila Don Julio and the early termination of Casa Cuervo's production and distribution agreement for Smirnoff in Mexico. In return, Diageo has reached an agreement to sell Bushmills to Jose Cuervo Overseas. The transaction will result in a net payment of $408 million to Diageo upon completion, which is expected in early 2015 subject to certain approvals.

The transaction is expected to be economic profit break-even in year 3 assuming a WACC rate of 9%. Assuming completion of the transaction in early calendar 2015 and the use of the net proceeds to reduce debt at Diageo's average rate of interest, the transaction will dilute eps by 0.6% in the year ending 30 June 2015.

Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive, commented:'This transaction delivers two key objectives for us. We have secured our position in the growing super and ultra-premium segments of the tequila category and further strengthened our global footprint by expanding our leading position in Mexico where the growth of spirits has great potential.

Diageo has realised this opportunity through the breadth and depth of our portfolio. It delivers our strategy: to build our presence in the world’s fastest growing markets and lead the industry in the biggest growth opportunities. I am delighted we have reached this agreement.'

The year ended 30 June 2014 were 285,000 cases and £9 million respectively. Bushmills volume and net sales in the same period were 800,000 cases and £57 million. Tequila Don Julio had volume and net sales of 590,000 cases and £105 million, of which Diageo accounted for 345,000 cases and £75 million net sales, in the year ended 30 June 2014.

Colin O’Brien, Operations Director, Diageo said:

“Bushmills Irish Whiskey is a brand built on great history, heritage and passionate people and has been a cherished part of the Diageo family for more than nine years.  During this time we have invested over £80 million to build capacity, infrastructure and maturing inventory at the Distillery, which has supported the continued growth of the brand.

We are immensely proud of these achievements, and while we recognise that today’s announcement does represent a change for Bushmills we are confident that Jose Cuervo - a company with a proven commitment to its people and to valuing the history and heritage of its brands - will continue to nurture Bushmills in the future.

This transaction represents further progress in Diageo’s strategy to build its presence in the world’s fastest growing markets and to strengthen its global position in tequila.”