4 July 2008 - SABMiller plc announces that, following recent approval from the Ukrainian competition authorities, it has now completed the acquisition of 99.84% interest in the Ukrainian brewer CJSC Sarmat (“Sarmat”).
Sarmat is one of the largest brewers in the Ukraine and will operate one brewery in Donetsk in the east of the country with an annual production capacity of 2.9 million hectolitres, producing the Sarmat, Dnipro and Drive Max brands.
Igor Tikhonov will be appointed Managing Director of Sarmat, having previously been Managing Director CIS at SABMiller RUS. Commenting on the appointment, James Wilson, Managing Director of SABMiller RUS said, “I am confident that with Igor’s extensive experience and knowledge we will be able to deliver strong results in the Ukraine and benefit from this fast growing and attractive market.”
SABMiller will initially focus on upgrading Sarmat’s facilities in accordance with its world class global manufacturing standards to increase the operational efficiency and overall effectiveness of the business. SABMiller will also seek to immediately strengthen the existing Sarmat brands and then in the medium term introduce a selection of its international and regional worthmore brands into the Ukraine.
This acquisition represents SABMiller’s entry into one of the fastest growing beer markets globally with a four year growth rate to 2006 of 14% p.a.