Japan-based Asahi Group Holdings has closed the purchase of Miller Brands UK.

This acquisition enables Asahi to add premium brands such as Peroni, Grolsch, and Meantime to its beer portfolio.

With the completion of this acquisition, the merged entity will operate under the name of Asahi UK.

"Peroni Nastro Azzurro has been a key driver in the growth of the UK super-premium sector, which is now worth £1.3 billion."

This purchase was a part of Asahi Europe’s strategy to develop its premium beer segment.

Miller Brands managing director Gary Haigh was quoted by foodbev.com as saying: “Our super-premium brand portfolio is powered by a seamless distribution network, expert customer marketing and sales capability; this means we can extend and grow Asahi’s ambition in the UK.

“Peroni Nastro Azzurro has been a key driver in the growth of the UK super-premium sector, which is now worth £1.3 billion and accounts for more than a quarter of the London beer market.

"With the backing of the Asahi Group we will be able to continue our strategies for the brands, building on their success and allowing our customers to benefit from meeting the demands of UK consumers for high-quality beer brands.”

In April, Asahi signed a share purchase agreement with Anheuser-Busch InBev to buy the Peroni, Grolsch, Meantime and related businesses of SABMiller, following the completion of AB InBev-SABMiller merger.

Asahi Europe CEO Hector Gorosabel was quoted by foodbev.com as saying: “Consumers and customers are becoming ever-more discerning about the quality and provenance of the brands they choose. Asahi Europe has the brands, the agility and most importantly the people to deliver exceptional experiences to both.”