Depending on the fast-expanding South Asian market at a time when it is facing pressure on growth at home, Japanese beverages firm Kirin Holdings is in talks to invest $70 million in Bira, an Indian craft beer brand that is manufactured by B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
Kirin, which first invested $30 million in Bira for a 10% stake last year, is set to offer the additional funds at an equity valuation of $450 million, four sources informed Reuters. Kirin’s plan for additional investment in Bira comes even as the Japanese yen has fallen to 24-year lows, raising the cost of overseas acquisitions for local companies.
Launched in 2015, Bira is one of India’s most popular craft beer makers. It competes with international brands such as Carlsberg as well as Heineken-owned United Breweries in India’s estimated $5 billion beer market.
The new planned Bira investment “is a small amount, but Kirin is bullish on India,”said the first source who declined to be named as the deal discussions are private.
The talks for the new funding could not have come at a better time for Bira, after its sales dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
