Carlsberg Breweries A/S published on November 10 that it had increased its shareholding in the Bulgarian brewery Shumensko Pivo AD to 89 % through the acquisition of a further 29.6 % of the share capital. The shares have been acquired from Ferroal Ltd. and the parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Carlsberg Breweries also owns 98 % of the Bulgarian brewery Pirinsko Pivo and the increased shareholding in Shumensko is part of Carlsberg Breweries' plan to integrate the two breweries and to strengthen its position in Bulgaria.

The history of the Shumensko brewery dates back to 1882 and the beer brand Shumensko is a quality brand rich in tradition. The total market is 4.5 million hl beer and the Bulgarian annual per capita consumption is 54 litres.

12 November, 2003