Today's corporate news highlights significant strategic transactions and capital movements, as Diageo completed a major divestiture by selling its EABL stake to Asahi for $2.3 billion, while Nippon Active Value Fund agreed to tender its shares in a Carlyle-backed tender offer for Hogy Medical. Meanwhile, Asiamet Resources and Atlas Metals Group secured substantial capital injections, with Atlas's CEO notably leading a significant insider investment, and Kodal Minerals reported its first revenues from the Bougouni Lithium Project. Further developments included InterContinental Hotels Group's strategic shift to USD trading on the LSE and Neo Energy Metals' listing restoration. Additionally, several companies, including Celtic PLC, capAI PLC, and Seplat Energy, announced key board and leadership changes.
Diageo DGE confirmed an agreement to sell its 65% stake in East African Breweries and its interest in UDVK to Asahi Group Holdings. The transaction is expected to generate approximately $2.3 billion in net proceeds after tax and costs, valuing EABL at an implied enterprise value of $4.8 billion. This significant disposal reflects Diageo's strategic focus on strengthening its balance sheet and reducing debt, reinforcing its commitment to managing its portfolio of assets.
Asiamet Resources ARS announced a successful capital raise, securing approximately US$3.1 million via a direct subscription. The funding came primarily from PT Buma International Tbk, the company's majority shareholder, with participation from board and management team members. A total of 149,387,512 new common shares were issued to facilitate the raise. This financial injection is crucial for advancing Asiamet's exploration and development activities.
Atlas Metals Group AMG announced it has raised £500,000 in gross proceeds through a share placing. Notably, the entire placing was subscribed by Chris Chadwick, the Chief Executive Officer, who acquired 4,545,454 new shares. This substantial director's dealing signals a significant vote of confidence from the company's leadership. The proceeds will be directed towards supporting the natural resources and energy company's ongoing activities.
Nippon Active Value Fund NAVF confirmed the launch of a tender offer by a Carlyle-backed entity to acquire and delist Hogy Medical Co. Ltd. The fund, along with co-investors, has agreed to tender its 27.58% stake in Hogy Medical. This move highlights NAVF's strategy of actively engaging with undervalued Japanese equities to achieve attractive returns. The successful tender offer demonstrates a significant realization for the investment fund.
InterContinental Hotels Group IHG announced a strategic change in the trading currency of its Ordinary Shares on the London Stock Exchange, moving from British Pounds to US Dollars. This alteration will take effect from 2 January 2026, aligning the trading currency with the company's predominantly US Dollar-denominated global business. While the nominal currency of shares remains in GBP, UK-based shareholders will gain the option to receive dividend payments in USD.
Celtic CCP announced a significant leadership transition, with non-executive Chairman Peter Lawwell confirming his departure from the Board effective 31 December 2025. Brian Wilson, currently a non-executive director, will assume the role of interim Chairman. This change marks a notable shift in the governance of the football club, as it begins the search for a permanent successor.
capAI CPAI announced key changes to its board and committees, with Jack Allardyce appointed as an Executive Director. This appointment follows the stepping down of Richard Edwards from the Board. Furthermore, Professor Ronjon Nag will transition into the role of Executive Chairman. These adjustments are intended to bring fresh perspectives and strengthen the company's leadership team, particularly in capital markets and corporate finance.
Seplat Energy SEPL announced the appointment of Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective 1 January 2026. These new directors bring a wealth of experience, with Engineer Mohammed specializing in natural gas development and Mr. Ettah in business leadership. Their appointments strengthen the board's expertise and governance, filling positions vacated earlier in the year.
Kodal Minerals KOD delivered an update on its Bougouni Lithium Project, highlighting the successful restart of the Dense Media Separation processing plant following planned maintenance. The company also confirmed a crucial milestone: the receipt of its initial payment for the maiden export of spodumene concentrate to off-take partner Hainan Mining. This achievement signifies the project's successful transition into a revenue-generating asset for the West African lithium producer.
Neo Energy Metals NEO announced the lifting of its temporary share trading suspension on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market. Trading resumed on 17 December 2025, resolving the issues that prompted the suspension in February 2025. This positive development follows the publication of the company's Annual Report and Accounts for 2024, along with its unaudited interim results. The restoration of listing marks a significant step for the uranium developer.