Bitburger Brauerei will maintain its independence going forward, the brewer’s chief executive Michael Dietzsch told Die Welt on March 9. Dietzsch also said that the company is open to alliances and acquisitions, but would not reveal further details. As consolidation of the German beer market continues, Bitburger wishes to stay independent. Earlier this year, The German Federal Cartel Office approved the group's proposed acquisition of German breweries König-Brauerei and Licher Privatbrauerei from Carlsberg.

10 March, 2004