Masan Shares Jump on $1 Billion Deal with Thailand’s Singha

Shares of Masan Group, Vietnam’s top producer of sauce and spices, have soared over the past two days on news of a $1 billion deal with Thai beverage firm Singha.


           Masan Group's Chinsu brand name is wide known in Vietnam. (Photo: www.vir.com.vn)

The stock of Masan Group (MSN) has increased 8.7% since Thursday to 75,000 dong ($3.33) a share at the close on Friday, exchange data showed.

Singha Group, the Thai conglomerate that produces the namesake beer, has struck a deal to acquire minority stakes valued at $1.1 billion in certain subsidiaries of Masan Group, which has a market capitalization of $2.5 billion and business interests ranging from beer to consumer foods to banking and resources.

The Thai brewer will buy a 25% stake in Masan Consumer Holdings and another 33.3% stake in Masan Brewery, Masan Group said in a statement filed on its website. Masan Consumer now owns a 66.7% stake in Masan Brewery.

The deal is scheduled to close next month. Closing is subject to customary regulatory and corporate approvals, according to the filing. 

Masan Consumer has recently bought out mineral water firms to expand its domestic presence. It produces spices, soya bean sauce, coffee and drinks with well-known brand names such as Chinsu soya sauce, Tam Thai Tu fish sauce and Su Tu Trang beer.

Singha Group has recently expressed interest to acquire a stake in Saigon Beer, Alcohol and Beverage Corporation (Sabeco), which holds the biggest share of the Vietnamese beer market.

Tuan Minh / BizLIVE