E-Malt.com News article: 904

Russian brewer, OAO Patra, based in Ekaterinburg city, said that five of the country's leading brewers are interested to acquire 25.5% of the company’s shares, according to Russian media. The auction on selling the government shares is to be held on April 25, 2003. The five bidders are the country's leading brewer, Baltika, part of the Baltic Beverage Holding (BBH) joint venture between Carlsberg and Scottish & Newcastle (S&N); Sun Interbrew, part of the Belgian brewing combine, Interbrew; Heineken Brewery; Ochakovo and Krazny Vostok. Meanwhile, Sun Interbrew already has a minority interest in Patra.

11,135 thousand of common shares of Patra, with nominal value of RUB 1 per share, will be offered for sale. Bids for the Urals-based brewer must be received by 22 April.

The production capacity of Patra is evaluated at 100 million litres per year. Now the representatives of work collective control about 50.6% of the company and 23% is held by Damsel Ventures.

Russian brewery OAO Patra produced 13.718 million litres of beer and non-alcoholic production during the first quarter of 2003 year, what is 75% more versus the same period last year, including beer – 70%. For March the company registered an output of 5.2 million litres of production, 86% up against March 2002. Company intends to offer some new beer brands by May-June this year.


14 April, 2003