CANADA: Sleeman to distribute Grolsch

Canadian beer company, Sleeman Breweries Ltd, has agreed a long-term sales, marketing and distribution deal for the Grolsch lager brand in Canada with the Netherlands brewer, Royal Grolsch NV. The brand was formerly distributed by Rollick Beverage Co. of Aurora, Ontario. In return for the rights to the brand, Sleeman is to pay Rollick C$6.96m in cash and C$2.5m in Sleeman common stock. "Grolsch is a fine complement to our other premium import brands," said Sleeman chairman and CEO, John Sleeman, "and this transaction is consistent with our strategic goal of expanding Sleeman's international beverage alcohol coverage.