LONDON: Global drinks firm Diageo on Tuesday said it had received approval from Chinese authorities to become the sole shareholder in Sichuan Chengdu Shuijingfang Group Company (SJF Holdco), the owner of white spirits company ShuiJingFang.

Diageo said it would acquire the remaining 47 percent stake in SJF Holdco owned by its Chinese partners for 233 million pounds. As a result, SJF HoldCo will be converted from a joint venture into a wholly foreign-owned enterprise owned by Diageo.

On completion, Diageo's indirect interest in Shanghai-listed Shuijingfang, one of the best known producers of China's 'Bai Jiu' spirit, will rise to 39.71 percent from 21.05 percent, it said.

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com