Slovak Republic: SABMiller will merge Saris and Topvar breweries into Pivovary Topvar

Global beer giant SABMiller will merge its Slovak breweries Saris and Topvar into a single company, Pivovary Topvar, in January which will control a third of the local market, the British-based multinational announced in Bratislava, South Africa media business publication Fin24 released November 27.

"The process of integrating the Saris and Topvar companies will enter its final phase", the company said.

The headquarters of the merged brewery will be at Topolcany, in western Slovakia, it added.

SABMiller is currently the second biggest brewery company in Slovakia, behind Dutch-based Heineken, which owns the brands Zlaty Bazant, Corgon.

South African Breweries (SAB) bought into Saris in 1997 with SABMiller acquiring Topvar last year.

29 November, 2006