The German brewer, Holsten Brauerei, has confirmed that its principal shareholder and chairman of its supervisory board, Christian Eisenbeiss, has increased his stake in the company to 48%.
The company made the statement following bid speculation after the German bank, Commerzbank, revealed that it had sold the 14% stake it indirectly held in the brewer. The bid rumours pushed up Holsten’s share price by more than 17% to €28.75.
The company made no comment on the speculation that Eisenbeiss has increased his stake as a prelude to selling his entire interest in Holsten. Observers have suggested that the enlarged participation would be a more enticing proposition to a potential takeover candidate. A number of major international brewers, including Interbrew, Heineken and S&N, have been suggested as possible buyers for Holsten.
