Some of the brands in the diverse range of premium quality brews of Carlsberg Malaysia, including global brands Carlsberg, Somersby, 1664 Blanc, Asahi, Sapporo and Brooklyn, as well as locally-acclaimed power brands Connor’s Stout Porter, Royal Stout and SKOL among others well-loved by beer lovers. Photo: Carlsberg
Danish brewer Carlsberg A/S is considering selling part of its Asian operations, with Japan’s Sapporo Holdings Ltd emerging as a possible buyer, according to reports by Bloomberg and AK&M.
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Carlsberg is in discussions with Sapporo over a potential minority stake in its Asia business. The talks include the ownership ratio and other terms, and the sale may not proceed if the two sides fail to reach an agreement.
A spokesperson for Carlsberg said the company does not comment on market rumours or speculation, while Sapporo also declined to comment.
Both reports note that the possible transaction aligns with Sapporo’s strategy to strengthen its core beer business. The Japanese group is currently progressing with the sale of its real-estate arm, Sapporo Real Estate Co., which owns high-profile Tokyo properties including the Yebisu Garden Place complex. The company aims to finalise that sale by early December 2025.
Sapporo Breweries Ltd entered a business partnership with Carlsberg in 2023 covering the production and sale of Sapporo beer in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. A capital alliance would expand this cooperation and allow Sapporo to leverage Carlsberg’s distribution network across Asia.
Carlsberg A/S, headquartered in Copenhagen, is a multinational brewing company whose flagship brand is Carlsberg beer. The company employs around 41,000 people and is the sixth-largest brewer in the world by revenue. It is majority-owned by the Carlsberg Foundation.
AloJapan.com