UK: Scottish & Newcastle trashes "pathetic" Carlsberg, Heineken

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 16 November 2007

Scottish & Newcastle has launched a scathing, albeit brief, attack on Carlsberg and Heineken, as the European brewers attempt to acquire the UK-based company.

Following the rejection of a second proposed offer for S&N from the Carlsberg and Heineken consortium yesterday (15 November) - for GBP7.50 per share - the two European companies described S&N's movements as "very disappointing".

The consortium turned its attention directly to S&N's shareholders, saying: "The time has come for S&N shareholders to direct their board to engage with us."

When contacted by just-drinks, however, a spokesperson for S&N reiterated the brewer's rejection of the proposed offer. "Pathetic, desperate men clutching at straws," the spokesperson said.

Earlier in the day, when asked about the how the relationship between Carlsberg and S&N - who jointly own Eastern European brewing concern Baltic Beverages Holding - was faring in light of the takeover tussle, a spokesperson for Carlsberg said: "We are all professional people, but maybe we don't have as many beers together afterwards as we used to."

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Carlsberg, Heineken, S&N, Baltic Beverages Holding