| Mon 3 Dec 2001, 0:00 | | Sab Makes Two Further Acquisitions In China |
|
Share Code : SAB
ISIN Code : GB0004835483
3 December 2001, London. South African Breweries plc (SAB), the world's
leading brewer in developing markets, today announced two further
acquisitions in China to consolidate it's position as the country's second
largest brewer.
SAB, through its Chinese joint venture, China Resource Beverages Ltd (CRB),
has acquired a 60% interest in the Euro Dongxihu Brewery in the city of
Wuhan, Hubei Province, central China, from Danone Asia Pte Ltd. The total
book value of the net assets to be acquired is US$76 million. The
transaction is subject to various approvals, including regulatory approvals.
Euro Dongxihu Brewery has an installed capacity of around 4 million
hectolitres, of which 3 million is currently utilised. The company, through
its mainstream and premium brands, has around 80% of the Wuhan market and a
strong position in Hubei province. Wuhan, which is situated on the banks
of the Yangtze River, is a city that has been identified by the Chinese
Government for future growth, following development of the Three Gorges
Project and the government's "Go West" economic development programme. The
city, which is the capital of Hubei Province, has a population of 5 million
of the 60 million who live in the province.
SAB has also acquired, through CRB, the Snow Leopard Brewery, which is
located near Changchun city, the capital of Jilin Province, North East
China. CRB has established a new company, China Resources (Chang Chun)
Brewery Co Ltd to acquire the brewing assets and brands of the Snow Leopard
Brewery in which it will hold 85%, with local shareholders owning the
balance.
Snow Leopard Brewery's key brands will be developed alongside CRB's existing
portfolio in Jilin Brewery, creating a major brewer in the province. Snow
Leopard Brewery has a capacity of 1.2 million hectolitres, of which 0.8
million hectolitres is currently being utilised. Jilin Brewery is currently
operating at its full capacity of 2.1 million hectolitres. CRB will be able
to use the additional capacity for its existing markets, particularly in
Changchun city, whilst gaining access to new markets in the north of Jilin
province.
The net cost of investment to CRB, including refurbishment, will be US$5.6
million. This will be funded through a combination of CRB's internal
resources and local Renminbi debt at favourable rates.
Graham Mackay, chief executive of SAB said: "Today's announcement is
tangible proof of the successful SAB expansion strategy in China, where we
have been acquiring and growing local brands to achieve regional leadership.
I believe that the Euro Dongxihu Brewery provides excellent opportunities
for development and growth in Hubei Province, whilst the Snow Leopard
Brewery will complement our presence in Jilin Province and adds to our
position in North East China."
ENDS
Notes to editors
South African Breweries plc is the world's leading brewer in developing
markets, with major brewing and distribution operations in Africa, Central
and Eastern Europe and Asia. It is the world's fifth largest brewer overall
by volume with 100 breweries in 24 countries and over 31,000 employees. In
the year ending 31 March 2001, SAB generated US$646 million pre-tax profit
from turnover of US$4.184 billion. The company is listed on both the London
and the Johannesburg stock exchanges.
The Euro Dongxihu and Snow Leopard Breweries are SAB's 26th and 27th brewery
acquisitions in China since 1994. SAB operates in China through China
Resource Beverages Ltd (CRB), in which it has a 49% holding. Through CRB,
SAB is China's leading foreign brewer. Key brands produced by SAB's Chinese
breweries include: Snowflake, Keller and Lowen. CRB's breweries in China
have a combined capacity of more than 35 million hectolitres.
The Chinese market is amongst the largest and fastest growing markets in the
world, with a total beer market estimated to be 220 million hectolitres per
year in 2001, and an estimated growth rate of 7.2% per annum, second only to
the United States in terms of volume consumed.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement includes `forward-looking statements'. All statements
other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement,
including, without limitation, those regarding the Company's financial
position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future
operations (including development plans and objectives relating to the
company's products and services), as well as those regarding the outlook for
the Chinese market and economy, are forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of the Company or the Chinese market and economy to be
materially different from future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-
looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company's
present and future business strategies and the environment in which the
Company will operate in the future. These forward-looking statements speak
only as at the date of this announcement. The Company expressly disclaims
any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the
Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events,
conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
For Further information:
Nick Chaloner, Director of Communications, + 44 (0) 20 7659 0119
SAB plc Mob: + 44 (0) 7880 502 755
Ciaran Baker, Head of Corporate Communications, +44 (0) 20 7659 0120
SAB plc Mob: +44 (0) 7979 95 4493
Anna Miller Salzman, Head of Investor Relations, + 44 (0) 20 7659 0106
SAB plc Mob: + 44 (0) 7973 837 070
This announcement is available on the SAB website at www.sabplc.com
