The Chinese brewer, Harbin Brewery Co., has dismissed speculation that it is to be acquired by the leading Chinese brewing group, Tsingtao. Lu Jiaxing, Harbin Brewery's administrative chairman, told the Chinese business daily, Beijing Business Today, that Harbin had had no contact with Tsingtao.

Harbin Brewery is principally engaged in the brewing, distribution and sale of beer in the PRC. Its predecessor was founded in 1900 and was the oldest brewery in China. The Group is one of the largest breweries in China. Its principal beer brand, "Harbin" (also commonly know as "HAPI"), is a leading regional brand in the Northeast Region of China. The Group is currently operating 13 breweries in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning and Hebei Provinces.

27 May, 2003