Malaysia & Taiwan: Carlsberg Malaysia Bhd will purchase a 50% stake in Carlsberg Distributors Taiwan Ltd.

Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd (CBMB) plans to take control of 50% of Carlsberg Distributors Taiwan Ltd (CDT) for a total of NTD26.17 million (RM3.05 million), The Age Daily published October 30. CBMB said October 30 that the acquisition is intended to allow a better promotion of export and distribution of its brand and products in Taiwan.

Under a joint venture agreement with Wiseline Ltd, which is ultimately owned by Hong Kong-based Lei Shing Hong (HK) Ltd, CBMB acquired an initial three million shares in CDT for NTD6.71 million.

CBMB and Wiseline will each subsequently subscribe for another two million shares in CDT for NDT20 million cash.

CBMB's substantial shareholder, Carlsberg Breweries AS, has a distributor agreement with CDT that allows the latter to sell Carlsberg brands and products manufactured by CBMB in Taiwan.

Since its inception, Carlsberg Malaysia has substantially increased production of the Carlsberg range of products. In addition to Carlsberg Green Label - the undisputed leader in the local beer market, the range also includes Carlsberg Special Brew, Carl's, Carlsberg Ice Beer, Royal Stout, Jolly Shandy, Nutrimalt and Tetley's.

01 November, 2006