Diageo Starts Proceedings Against LVMH Over Missing Dividend

Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg
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Diageo Plc, the world’s largest distiller, has started arbitration proceedings against long-time partner LVMH, saying the luxury-goods maker has failed to pay an annual dividend.

London-based Diageo, which since its creation in the 1990s has owned a minority stake in LVMH’s drinks division, said it’s owed a payout of 181 million euros ($215 million) for 2019, and that nonpayment constitutes a breach of the companies’ partnership agreement.