Paul Walsh seems intent on going out with a bang. Rather than sitting back after 12 years at the helm of Diageo, the expert shot is using his remaining time at the group to keep bagging deals. In 12 months Mr Walsh has acquired control of Shui Jing Fang, the Chinese baijiu spirit, paid $225 million for the Meta Abo brewery, of Ethiopia, completed the $2.1 billion purchase of Mey Içki, the Turkish raki maker, and swallowed Ypióca, the Brazilian cachaça distiller, in a £300 million deal.
The deals, along with a mooted tilt at Jose Cuervo tequila, stand in their own right but also provide a route to market for Diageo’s other brands. The £1 billion whisky investment will ensure that it can meet demand.