Hogan Lovells advises Asahi on its £250 million acquisition of the entire premium beer business of Fuller, Smith & Turner

Under the terms of the deal, Asahi will acquire the entirety of the Fuller's beer, cider and soft drinks brewing and production and wine wholesaling business, as well as the distribution of its brands, to include house names such as London Pride, Frontier Premium London Lager and Cornish Orchards and the iconic Griffin Brewery. Asahi will also receive a global, exclusive and royalty-free basis licence to use certain trade marks (including the "Fuller's" name, logo and cartouche) for the provision of beverages in connection with the business.

The deal is expected to complete in the first half of 2019 subject to certain conditions, including obtaining a relevant confirmation from the UK Competition and Markets Authority and the approval of Fuller's shareholders.

The team was led by London Corporate head, Ben Higson, with partners Peter Watts leading on commercial advice, Karen Hughes on tax advice, Suyong Kim and counsel Paul Castlo on antitrust advice, Ed Bowyer on employment advice, Edward Brown on pensions advice, Sahira Khwaja on IPMT advice, Nicola Fulford on data privacy and cyber security advice, counsel Kiran Khetia on incentives advice and Dan Norris on real estate advice, and Tokyo partner, Jacky Scanlan-Dyas.

Commenting on the deal, Ben Higson said: "We are delighted to have advised Asahi on the next stage in its growth plan. We very much look forward to working with the team as they close the transaction."

Jacky Scanlan-Dyas added: "We are encouraged by this deal as evidence that, in spite of the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, iconic brands are willing to invest in the UK if the deal is right."