Diageo plc (LSE:DGE) is considering options for its Chinese assets, including potential divestments, sources say, as the maker of Guinness and Johnnie Walker seeks to streamline its portfolio. Diageo is working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to review its operations, which include a 63% stake in Shanghai-listed Sichuan Swellfun. The advisers have been sounding out initial interest from local strategic buyers and private equity firms, the sources said.
Considerations are preliminary and no final decisions have been made, the sources said, adding that there's no certainty Diageo will decide to proceed with any deal. Representatives for Diageo, Goldman Sachs and UBS declined to comment. A representative for Sichuan Swellfun said the company hasn't received any information about a stake sale.
