FINLAND: BBH's Saku looks for Carlsberg tie-up - report

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 15 September 2006

Saku Ölletehas is looking to brew its namesake beer at Carlsberg's Finnish brewery, according to local reports.

The Estonian brewer is in negotiations with the Danish brewer's Finnish unit, with a view to an announcement being made within the next month, Finnish News Digest said earlier this week.

Citing Saku director Tomas Kucinkas, the news service said that the brewer is hoping to up sales and brand visibility through the tie-up. Saku, which makes the most sold foreign beer in Finland, is operating at full capacity at its current production lines, but is looking to construct a new facility in Lithuania early next year.

No-one was available for comment at Carlsberg as just-drinks went to press.

Saku Ölletehas, which earlier this month posted an 81% leap in half-year profits, is majority-owned by Baltic Beverages Holding - the Eastern European joint venture between Carlsberg and Scottish & Newcastle.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Carlsberg, Baltic Beverages Holding