Guinness Nigeria acquires Distribution rights for USL brand

Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced the acquisition of distribution rights to United Spirits Limited’s brand in Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, Guinness Nigeria Plc (“GN”) has agreed to acquire the rights to distribute McDowell’s’, a mainstream spirits brand of United Spirits Limited (USL) in Nigeria. USL is an Indian mainstream spirits business which is also a subsidiary of Diageo Plc. It added that this transaction will become effective on 1 st February 2016.

The latest acquisition would be an addition to its other popular brands such as Foreign Extra Stout and Extra Smooth, Malta Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Cîroc, Baileys, Smirnoff, JεB, Orijin, Harp Lager, Satzenbrau, Dubic Lager and Snapp.

United Spirits Limited (USL) is a subsidiary of Diageo plc which is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. In 2013-14, Diageo plc acquired a 54.8% shareholding in United Spirits making India one of its largest markets.

Founded in 1826, USL is the largest Indian spirits company involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of beverage alcohol. USL produces and sells around 120 million cases of Scotch whisky, IMFL whisky, brandy, rum, vodka, gin and wine. Its portfolio includes much-loved brands such as McDowell’s No.1, Royal Challenge, Signature, and Antiquity among others that generated revenues of Rs. 8,353 in FY2015. USL now also imports, manufactures and sells Diageo’s iconic brands such as Johnnie Walker, VAT 69, Black & White, Smirnoff and Ciroc in India.

The company has 18 brands in its portfolio that sell more than a million cases each year, of which 4 brands each sell more than 10 million cases annually. The organization prides itself on innovative products that have made a mark on the world stage by regularly winning accolades and awards from international juries. USL exports its products to over 37 countries across the globe.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, USL has a strong global footprint supported by a committed team of 6000+ employees dedicated to fulfilling the company’s mission of becoming the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer goods company in India. The company has a strong distribution network and point of sale coverage and is represented in 81000 outlets across India. It has over 88 manufacturing facilities across 23 states and 3 union territories in India.

USL is a major contributor to state excise revenues with a valuable contribution of over Rs. 35,000 crores annually to the exchequer by way of Excise, Sales Tax, Octroi and other levies.

USL sincerely believes in being a good corporate citizen and is committed to creating a more positive role for alcohol in society through its national Road to Safety programmes. USL also improves the lives of people in the communities around its plants with particular emphasis on Empowering Women. Its flagship programme, Project S-H-E delivers much-needed initiatives in water, health and education to lead the industry in demonstrating the highest standards of Corporate Citizenship.