It’s a deal
After months of rumour, Interbrew finally announced on 25 May that it completed the acquisition of Whitbread PLC’s brewing business for £400 million (US$602 million). Thus Interbrew has regained full control of its Stella Artois brand which has been brewed in the UK by Whitbread Brewing since 1976. Following this transaction, Interbrew’s market share in the UK will be 10%. Whitbread is the third largest brewer in the UK with a turnover of £1.1 billion for the year ended 4 March 2000. It owns three breweries and employs 3,900 people. In addition to Stella Artois, the brand portfolio includes Boddintons, Murphy’s and Heine-ken, the latter being brewed by Whitbread under licence. The current transaction does not include the Heineken licence agreement which will be retained by Whitbread Plc..
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