SERBIA: Heineken wins Rodic Brewery race

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 5 December 2007

Heineken has won the race to acquire Serbian brewer Rodic.

The Dutch company confirmed today (5 December) that it has bought the brewer for an undisclosed price, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

Located in Novi Sad in the north of Serbia, the Rodic facility has an annual capacity of 1.5m-hectolitres. Heineken said it estimates total sales volume for Rodic, whose portfolio consists of MB Premium, MB Pils and Master beer brands, will be around 500,000 hectolitres this year.

"This transaction further expands our leadership position across the fast growing Central and Eastern European region," said Nico Nusmeier, Heineken's regional president for Central and Eastern Europe. "The domestic and emerging export business of Rodic will make us the number three player in the Serbian market. With the modern facilities and brand portfolio we are well positioned to build a strong platform for the Heineken brand as well as an increasingly profitable business."

Local reports last month suggested that Carlsberg was thought to be interested in the sale of Pivara MB, part of Rodic, after the owners of the brewery were rumoured to be in talks with "four large world brewers" over the sale.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Heineken, Carlsberg