Japan's Kirin looks to sell Kentucky bourbon brand for $1 billion, FT reports

Oct 24 (Reuters) - Japanese brewer Kirin 2503.T has put its Kentucky bourbon brand Four Roses up for sale for $1 billion, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The company has been working with advisers from UBS UBSG.S to weigh interest from potential buyers in recent weeks, with first-round bids expected as early as next month, according to the report.

Kirin and UBS declined to comment.

Kirin Holdings is a conglomerate that owns a beverage and beer business and also has a pharmaceuticals subsidiary called Kyowa Kirin 4151.T.

The sale comes as Kirin is looking to pivot from the struggling spirits sector in Japan to focus on its healthcare business, the report said, adding that there were no guarantees that a deal would emerge.