According to reports, a district court in Vilnius has rejected a petition from the spirits producer, Latvijas Balzams, to block the privatisation of rival company and the largest vodka producer in Lithuania, Stumbras.

Balzams lost out to drinks wholesaler, Mineraliniai Vandenys, in a bid to acquire Stumbras when it came up for privatisation.

Balzams said it is planning to appeal and will also file a lawsuit with the Vilnius district court against a decision by the privatisation commission rejecting its application to bid in the tender for Stumbras.