Diageo PLC, known as DGE on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company. Founded in December 1997, Diageo was formed from the merger of Guinness PLC and Grand Metropolitan. Its headquarters are located in London, England.
Diageo's brands date back as far as the 17th century. The company's history includes the establishment of the Haig family, the oldest family of Scotch whisky distillers, in 1627. Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on a disused property at St. James’s Gate, Dublin, in 1759 and started to brew ale. John Walker opened a grocery business in Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1820 and started blending whiskies.
Today, Diageo operates from 132 sites around the world. It is a major distributor of Scotch whisky and other spirits. Distilleries owned by Diageo produce 40% of all Scotch whisky with over 24 brands. As a member of the LSEG, DGE continues to shape the global beverage industry.
This evergreen company, Diageo, remains at the forefront of the beverage industry, embodying its founding principle of "Celebrating Life, Every Day, Everywhere.
Diageo share price launched at 47p in 1988 under the ticker DGE.