A total of five bids have been received for a 51.11 per cent stake of Slovenia's largest beverage group Pivovarna Laško.
The stake is being sold by a consortium of sellers as part of efforts to find a strategic partner who will also recapitalise the group. The bids will form a basis for negotiations between the consortium and the bidders on a final transaction.
Dutch brewer Heineken is the only bidder to come forward publicly, while Slovenian media have reported that investment funds Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Bain Capital, Mid Europa Partners and CVC Capital Partners are eying the stake.
The new owner will have to recapitalise the brewery with at least €75 million and will also purchase Ljubljana-based Pivovarna Union.
Last year, Pivovarna Laško Group’s income fell by six per cent due to the sale of the Kosovo branch Birra Peja and lower sales in the domestic market, but nevertheless, achieved net profit.
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic
