Russia: The country’s second largest brewing force, SUN Interbrew, is the most probable buyer of the majority stake in Russia’s brewing plant based in Ekaterinburg, Patra, according to analysts. Another potential buyer could be Russia’s number six brewery, PIT. Experts’ estimations regarding the company’s cost is US$50 million, however the seller’s estimations are US$75 million, Russian newspaper Vedomosti reported on January 14.

Last year Patra output 69 million litres of beer and held 0.9% of national beer market, according to Business Analitika. Majority stake of the company’s shares (50.56%) is held by ZAO Patra management, 25.5% - by RedkaufInvest and other 23.82% - by Damsel Ventures Ltd.

In December last year, Sun Interbew reported third-quarter net profits of €19.1m, a leap of 71% on the same period last year.

16 January, 2004