CHINA: Yanjing courts Heineken (report)

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 25 September 2006

One of China's biggest beer producers Yanjing Brewery in Beijing is expected to invite Heineken to become a 'strategic investor' in the near future, according to local press reports.

Although Yanjing board secretary Liu Xiangyu has been quoted in the official Xinhua news agency as saying there is 'no specific timetable for the discussions', the Dutch giant has already bought a 21% stake in Shenzen-based brewer Kingway, and is known to be interested in increasing its presence in China.

Yanjing, meanwhile, is keen to attract foreign investment, and has already been reported in the local media as considering issuing shares to Belgian brewer InBev.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Heineken, InBev