Here we go again
Either the armchair strategists have been bored out of their minds or they have indeed picked up some rumour - whatever the case, Scottish & Newcastle has again been in the news as a potential take-over target. Why S&N? Because it enjoys market leadership positions in Russia, the UK, Finland, and France. Moreover, it is the number 2 brewer in the Ukraine and Portugal, and has small stakes in the Indian and Chinese beer markets (where it is looking to expand). Prospective buyers have been named too: SABMiller and Anheuser-Busch. If SABMiller were to buy S&N, it would dilute its Rand based earnings further. Anheuser-Busch, on the other hand, would broaden its UK and European shareholder base and improve its UK position, plus enjoy the benefits
of a European distribution platform..
Select offer and read on
6 print issues