Japanese Co Kirin to invest $25m more in B9 beverages
Kirin Holdings is investing $25 million (about ₹205 crore) to buy an additional minority stake in B9 Beverages, the maker of craft beer Bira 91 and owner of pub chain Beer Cafe, executives aware of the development said.
The transaction, made through purchase of fresh shares, will boost Kirin's holding in B9 Beverages beyond the current nearly 20%, the executives said requesting anonymity. Another American financial investor is also close to investing $25 million for an additional stake in B9 Beverages, which is expected to be closed in the coming weeks, said one of the executives cited above.
The person did not identify the investor. The fresh investments of $50 million (₹410 crore) are being done at a pre-money valuation of $600 million. Tokyo-listed Kirin Holdings had invested ₹570 crore in the beer company in late 2022, raising its stake to 20%, valuing the beer maker at $600 million. Launched in 2015, B9 Beverages sells craft, lager and strong beer across brands like Bira White, Gold and Boom. It has a presence in 24 countries and operates six breweries. Ankur Jain, B9 Beverages chief executive, and Rahul Singh, chief executive and founder of The Beer Cafe, could not be reached for comments.
B9 Beverages also counts Sequoia Capital and Belgium's Sofina among its investors. The development comes amid double-digit demand forecasts of beer, with younger and newer consumers, and influx of new craft brands and flavours aiding category growth. The fresh funding, the third round of fundraise for B9 Beverages in a
