INDIA: UB Group completes its bear hug on Beer.

By Navroz Havewala | 2 February 2001

The UB Group has acquired 20% of beer manufacturer Inertia, raising its holding to 51% and increasing its dominancy of the beer trade in India.

The 51% includes an undisclosed share held by Millennium Alcobev, an ally of the UB Group.

UB earlier acquired 65% shares in the once fiercely independent brewer of western India, Associated Breweries and Distilleries which has five beer brands - India's largest selling London Pilsner, London Diet and lesser brands Maharaja Premium, London 2001 and London 5001 Plus.

Millennium Alcobev has nine brands, five of which are leased from UB. The others are Sandpiper and Turbo (acquired from Inertia) and its recent launch Zingaro strong beer and Guru.

Millennium has also indicated that some kind of integration of its operations with Inertia is imminent.

Inertia has breweries in Aurangabad, western India and and Dharu Hera in the north.