Diageo plc has made public its intentions to ‘acquire an interest in United Spirits Limited’. USL is the largest spirits company in India and claims it is the ‘world’s largest spirits company by volume’.

 

Diageo plc and United Spirits Limited have issued the following joint statement: “United Spirits Limited and Diageo plc confirm that Diageo plc is in discussion with United Spirits Limited and United Breweries (Holdings) Limited in respect of possible transactions for Diageo plc to acquire an interest in United Spirits Limited.

 

“However there is no certainty that these discussions will lead to a transaction.”

 

According to United Spirits Limited (USL) it is the “largest spirits company in the world by volume, selling 122.75 million cases for the fiscal ending 31 March, 2012”.

 

22 MILLIONAIRE BRANDS

Besides Whyte & Mackay and Bouvet Ladubay being 100% subsidiaries of USL, the company has 22 millionaire brands (selling more than a million cases a year) in its portfolio and enjoys a strong 59% market share for its first line brands in India.

 

USL has a global footprint with exports to over 37 countries. It has a sizeable presence in India with distilleries and sales offices all across the country, and a team of over 7500 people.

 

It has established manufacturing and bottling plants in every state of India. In addition, to deliver its products to customers located anywhere in India, USL has established a robust distribution network covering the whole country.