The German bank, HypoVereinsbank (HVB), has signalled it is about to sell its 55 % stake in Brau und Brunnen after all, according Norway's Finansavisen report. The bank had earlier mentioned that it might sell but that there had been no decisions taken.

”Having been more of a predator rather than a prey during the last few years' consolidation hunting party within the global brewing business, Brau und Brunnen should make an interesting buy to many of the world's major brewing companies wishing to muscle into the very fragmented German market,” Finansavisen said. It should come as no surprise if e.g. Interbrew, SABMiller, or Heineken were to place bids. Carlsberg has recently said that it will not pursue any more 'major' acquisitions for the near future, but whether the Danes will keep their hands out remains to see.

30 May, 2003