Deals this week: Asahi Group Holdings, Adama Agricultural Solutions

Asahi Group Holdings has reached an agreement for the acquisition of beer operations of SABMiller’s central and eastern European assets from Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (AB InBev) for $7.72bn.

Based in Japan, Asahi Group produces beer and other beverages, while UK-based SABMiller manufactures beer, soft drinks and fruit juices.

Under the terms of the transaction, Asahi Group will also acquire intellectual property rights of the brands, including Pilsner Urquell, Kozel and Tyskie.

Asahi Group expects the transaction, which covers five countries and includes beer brands Pilsner Urquell, Kozel and Tyskie, to close in the first half of next year.

Asahi Group has appointed Rothschild & Co. and Barclays as financial advisers for the transaction, which is scheduled for closure by 30 June next year.

Adama Agricultural Solutions (Adama) and SwarmFarm Robotics have formed a strategic partnership to develop robotics solutions for farmers across the world.

The collaboration will extend the existing Australian partnership to global markets, while improving the performance of current farming procedures.

The companies will develop uncomplicated solutions related to resistant weeds, labour, application timing and efficacy utilising Adama’s unique crop protection products employed by the SwarmFarm platform.

SwarmFarm manufactures swarming robotic machines, which can be deployed in groups to perform planting, weed and pest control, fertiliser application, irrigation and harvesting.