13 August 2007 - Lebedyansky, the Russian juice and baby food producer who made it to the spotlight today further press reports claiming that US soft drinks giant PepsiCo acquired over 76% of the company for USD 1.5 to 2 billion, has also been active over the weekend.
According to the local press, Lebedyansky is planning to invest USD 50 million in a new juice plant in the Novosibirsk Region.
The construction of the plant, which is expected to start later on this year, should be completed in October 2009.
Meanwhile, the Russian firm has reportedly increased its stake in Lipetsk-based juice manufacturer Progress.
Lebedyansky, which owned 75% of the company, acquired the remaining 25% from the Lipetsk Region government.
Lebedyansky bought a 49% stake in Progress in 2001 and increased it to 75% in 2003.
Progress produces juices under its Privet brand and mineral water under its Lipetsky Byuvet brand.
In June, FLEXNEWS reported that Lebedyansky was also in the race to acquire leading Ukrainian juice drinks firm Sandora. The company was finally bought for USD 542 million by PepsiCo and PepsiAmericas, who obtained clearance from the government on Friday.