Carlsberg Breweries Strengthens Its Position in South-East Europe by Becoming Majority Shareholder of the Shumensko Brewery in Bulgaria


VALBY, Denmark, June 28, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Carlsberg Breweries A/S has entered an agreement with Ferroal Ltd. to acquire 59.4 per cent of the Bulgarian brewery Shumensko. Ferroal continues as a minority shareholder. The acquisition is subject to approval by local authorities.

End of May this year, Carlsberg Breweries increased its shareholding of the Croatian brewery Panonska to 80 per cent and the acquisition of majority shareholding in Shumensko should also be seen as part of strengthening the position in southeast Europe.

Shumensko, which is situated in the town Shumen close to the Black Sea coast, has over the last few years experienced substantial growth and today has a market share of approx. 8 per cent of a total market of nearly 4.5 million hectolitres beer. The Bulgarian per capita consumption is 54 litres. The Shumensko brand is among the few traditional quality brands, and will therefore be the core brand in the future product portfolio. Furthermore, Carlsberg Breweries expects to introduce both the Carlsberg and Tuborg brands on the Bulgarian market.

2001 facts about Shumensko


  Net turnover          USD 7.75 million  
  
  Production            340,000 hl beer   
  
  Number of employees         388         

Background

Shumensko was established in 1882 and is thus among the oldest Bulgarian breweries. In 1948, the brewery was nationalized. 50 years later, in 1998, the Bulgarian state sold the brewery which then again became privately owned.

Yours faithfullyCarlsberg A/S



            

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