Colombia: SABMiller intends to bid US$ 6 billion dollar for Grupo Empresarial Bavaria, the Colombian brewing firm controlled by the country's multi-billionaire Julio Mario Santo Domingo. The bid is expected to be made by SABMiller this week, according to UK’s media. As one of the largest drinks firms in South America, Grupo Empresarial Bavaria is seen as an ideal target for European and American drinks firms.

SABMiller boss Graham Mackay is likely to face stiff competition from Heineken of the Netherlands and Anheuser-Busch of the United States. To counter declining sales in home markets, European and American beer firms hope to boost their presence in Latin America, which has one of the world's fastest growing beer markets. Last year Belgium-based Interbrew, now called Inbev, acquired Brazilian beer brewer Ambev, South America's second largest brewer.

Last month Bavaria said that shareholders had informed the company’s management that they have been exploring a series of alternatives, which could include a merger or a search for a strategic partner. In January it was reported that SABMiller, Heineken and InBev had talks with Bavaria regarding a takeover.

09 March, 2005