TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese beer maker Asahi Group Holdings Ltd (T:2502) said on Tuesday it will take on 7.4 billion euros (6.36 billion pounds) in bank loans to finance its acquisition of European assets from Anheuser-Busch InBev SAC NV (BR:ABI).
The brewer, known for Japan's best-selling "Super Dry" beer, in December agreed to buy a group of eastern European beer brands, including Pilsner Urquell, from AB InBev for 7.3 billion euros.
In a statement, Asahi said it will take on short-term loans from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (T:8316) and Mizuho Bank Ltd (T:8411).
Companies typically borrow on a short-term basis as bridging loans before securing permanent financing through, for instance, syndicated loans or bonds.
An Asahi spokesman said nothing has been decided about permanent financing.