German brewer C & A Veltins has acquired non-alcoholic malt-drinks brand Karamalz for an undisclosed sum.
In a statement, Veltins, which had distributed Karamalz, said it was buying the trademark rights to Karamalz from fellow German brewer Eichbaum with immediate effect. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Veltins assumed the distribution rights for Karamalz last year but suspended the deal last October for undisclosed reasons. The deal will see Veltins will take on the production of Karamalz.
Dr. Volker Kuhl, Veltins' sales and marketing director, said: "In view of the considerable volume and market importance of Karamalz in the malt drink segment, we can henceforth score points with a veritable brand in our sales channels.
"We are convinced that we can definitely achieve growth impulses in this clearly defined variety segment."
The Karamalz non-alcoholic malt brand was first sold in 1955 by Henninger Bräu. Following a restructuring of Henninger Bräu, the ownership of the Karamalz brand moved to Eichbaum in 2001.
