E-Malt.com News article: 2113

Canada: Molson Inc. announced on January 28 its intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid, pursuant to which Molson may purchase for cancellation up to 3,145,000 of its Class "A" Non-Voting Shares (the "Class "A" Shares") representing approximately 3% of the outstanding shares of Class "A" Shares, and up to 673,000 of its Class "B" Common Shares (the "Class "B" Shares"), representing approximately 3% of the outstanding shares of Class "B" Shares.

As at December 31, 2003, Molson had 104,839,395 issued and outstanding Class "A" Shares and 22,443,276 issued and outstanding Class "B" Shares. The purchases may commence after approval has been obtained from the TSX and the Notice of Intention has been filed. This is expected on or around March 15, 2004, at which time the current normal course issuer bid will expire. It will terminate one year later, or on such earlier date as Molson may complete its purchases pursuant to the Notice of Intention. The purchases will be made by Molson in accordance with the by-laws and rules of the exchange and Molson will pay market price for any Class "A" Shares or Class "B" Shares at the time of acquisition. Molson will make no purchases of Class "A" Shares or Class "B" Shares other than open-market purchases.

Molson shall purchase Class "A" Shares or Class "B" Shares when it believes circumstances and trading prices warrant a share purchase as an appropriate use of corporate funds and for the potential benefit of shareholders. More particularly, the Corporation intends to purchase a number of shares sufficient to counter the dilutive effect of the granting of options.

Molson Inc. is one of the world's largest brewers of quality beer with operations in Canada, Brazil and the United States. A global brewer with $3.5 billion in gross annual sales, Molson traces its roots back to 1786 making it North America's oldest beer brand. Committed to brewing excellence, Molson combines the finest natural ingredients with the highest standards of quality to produce an award-winning portfolio of beers including Molson Canadian, Molson Export, Molson Dry, Rickard's, Marca Bavaria, Kaiser and Bavaria.


30 January, 2004