The Dutch company Carlsberg Group has increased its ownership of the Russian Baltika Breweries by 12.05% to 96.77% through a voluntary offer that expired on 9 August, reports the press release of Carlsberg. The offer was made through Carlsberg’s fully-owned subsidiary, Baltic Beverages Holding Aktiebolag, and successfully met the minimum conditions. When the necessary administrative steps have been completed the Carlsberg Group intends to launch a compulsory purchase of the remaining outstanding shares in Baltika Breweries.

When Carlsberg increases its share in Baltika Breweries up to 100%, Baltika will be totally integrated into the Carlsberg Group. Baltika will get the opportunity to distribute its brands thought other Group’s companies and use the Carlsberg distribution net.

Baltika Breweries is the leader on the Russian beer market with a market share of about 39% (in 2010). The company owns 11 breweries located in Russian regions and one brewery in Azerbaijan. It offers more than 30 brands of beer (including Baltika, Arsenalnoye, Nevskoye, Yarpivo, Tuborg, Carlsberg, Kronenbourg 1664, and a number of regional brands), as well and 11 non-beer brands. The production is exported to more than 70 countries around the world, including the countries of Western Europe, North America and the Near East region.

Photo: Itar-tass