Russia: The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) approved the merger between Baltika, Vena, Pikra and Yarpivo

On the behalf of the Federal Low on Competition, Baltika, Russia’s biggest brewery, has submitted a petition to FAS regarding the reorganization of Baltika Brewing Company in the form of merger with Vena, Pikra and Yarpivo, the company released September 06.

The company has received September 05 a FAS formal notice regarding the approval of this petition. Therefore, FAS Russia has not seen any negative factors connected with the association of four companies and susceptible to worsen the competition on the domestic beer market.

As it was previously commented, the merger of the four companies will be concluded by the end of 2006. Consequently, Baltika will hold the ownership of 10 breweries and 4 malthouses in 9 Russian districts, will employ over 11,000 people and will have one of the strongest brand portfolio in the Russian brewing sector.

Since 1993, Baltic Beverage Holding AB (BBH) has the biggest share stake in Baltika. BBH is 50:50 owned by Carlsberg AS and Scottish & Newcastle plc.

08 September, 2006