Lion Nathan says Kirin deal gets Australia govt OK

SYDNEY, June 19 (Reuters) - Japanese brewer Kirin Holdings' (2503.T) $2.5 billion takeover of Lion Nathan Ltd LNN.AX, Australia's second-biggest brewer, has received Australian government approval, Lion said on Friday.

Kirin agreed in May to buy the 53 percent of Lion it did not already own. Under Australian government regulations, takeovers of local companies by overseas ones need to be approved by the government. (Reporting by Jonathan Standing)