The Belgian beer giant, Interbrew, is aiming to make a bid for a 40% stake in the Italian brewer, Peroni. Interbrew should be in a position to complete the deal by the end of February, the sources reported. No financial details have been disclosed. Carlsberg and Scottish & Newcastle both have shown interest in the acquisition of Perroni. Interbrew made no comment on the speculation.

Last week Interbrew made an announcement that it is to terminate its current licensing and distribution agreement for the Italian market with Heineken Italia, which has been in place since 1995.

11 February, 2003