AUS: Coopers thanks Lion as sales roar

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 18 July 2006

Coopers Brewery has thanked Lion Nathan for upping its profile following the failure of Lion's takeover bid.

The family-controlled Australian brewer said today (18 July) that the unsuccessful bid had helped lift its profile outside its home state of South Australia. I

n the last financial year, Coopers' sales were up by almost 14% over the corresponding period a year earlier, with beer sales leaping by around 50% in Western Australia and almost 40% in Queensland.

"While we were maybe a little distracted last year with the Lion Nathan takeover it's pleasing to see that it hasn't affected our sales in any way and in fact has probably helped to increase the knowledge of Coopers interstate," Coopers' executive chairman Glenn Cooper told local press.

Lion spent the latter half of 2005 making overtures to the brewer, which collapsed in December, after Coopers' shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favour of removing Lion's pre-emptive share purchase rights. In January, Lion attempted to kick-start its bid, but to no avail.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Lion Nathan