Phoenix Beverages Expands Regional Footprint with Seybrew Acquisition
Deal News | Apr 03, 2025 | Stephenson Harwood LLP
Stephenson Harwood LLP, an international law firm, is advising Phoenix Beverages Ltd (PBL) in its acquisition of a 54.4% stake in Seychelles Breweries Ltd (Seybrew) from the Diageo Group. This strategic move allows PBL, a renowned beverage manufacturer in Mauritius and Reunion Island, to enhance its presence in the Indian Ocean region. The deal solidifies PBL's growth strategy by enabling it to tap into Seybrew's established market. The advisory team from Stephenson Harwood includes partners Michelle Gomes, Naomi Leach, and Kamal Shah, supported by associates and other partners dealing with corporate, commercial, and employment aspects of the transaction. Additionally, the firm advised on new licensing and royalty arrangements that will permit Seybrew to continue brewing Diageo brands. The transaction is slated for completion in June 2025.
Sectors
- Beverage Manufacturing
- Legal Services
Geography
- Mauritius – Phoenix Beverages Ltd is based and listed in Mauritius, making this a primary geographic focus.
- Seychelles – Seychelles Breweries Ltd is based and listed in Seychelles, and the transaction specifically involves this region.
- United Kingdom – Stephenson Harwood LLP, the advising law firm, is an international firm with a significant presence in the UK, and the Diageo Group, the selling entity, is UK-based.
Industry
- Beverage Manufacturing – This industry is relevant as Phoenix Beverages Ltd and Seychelles Breweries Ltd are both part of the beverage manufacturing sector.
- Legal Services – Stephenson Harwood LLP is providing legal advisory services for the acquisition.
Financials
- 54.4% – Stake in Seychelles Breweries Ltd being acquired by Phoenix Beverages Ltd.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Beverages Ltd | Acquirer | Company | A leading beverage manufacturer in Mauritius and Reunion Island. |
| Seychelles Breweries Ltd | Target | Company | A brewery company in Seychelles, part of the Diageo Group. |
| Diageo Group | Vendor | Company | A multinational beverage alcohol company selling its stake in Seybrew. |
| Stephenson Harwood LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | An international law firm advising Phoenix Beverages on the acquisition. |
| Michelle Gomes | Corporate Partner | Person | Led the Stephenson Harwood team on this transaction. |
| Naomi Leach | Commercial Partner | Person | Part of Stephenson Harwood's team advising on licensing and royalty arrangements. |
| Kamal Shah | Head of Africa Group | Person | Stephenson Harwood's Relationship Partner for Phoenix Beverages Ltd. |