Peru: Colombia's Bavaria, Latin America's No. 4 brewer, on Sunday, August 29, 2004 denied having sold its share in Peru's only beer maker, Backus to Belgian-Brazilian powerhouse Interbrew-Ambev, as had been reported by some Peruvian media at the weekend. "Bavaria categorically denies that Union de Cervecerias Peruanas Backus y Johnston has been sold to AmBev or to any other company," it said in a statement sent to local media.

"Bavaria reiterates its confidence in Peru and its strong interest in continuing to strengthen its operations in the country and in the region," it added.

Interbrew and Ambev completed their merger last week. The companies said the new group will be called InBev and will surpass Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. to become the world's No. 1 brewer in volume terms. AmBev announced in February 2003 that it was entering the Peruvian market with a production plant and distribution network.

01 September, 2004