Monday 16 January, 2012 – Today takes effect of the December 16, 2011 deal of Carlton United Brewers now distributing SABMiller’s global brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Chill, Grolsch Premium Lager and Pilsner Urquell.

Already growing in popularity with Australian consumers, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is an intensely crisp and refreshing lager, brewed with an unmistakable touch of Italian style since 1963.

“The increased offering in the rapidly growing premium beer segment will create new opportunities for customers,” said Ari Mervis, Chief Executive Foster’s Group. “Beer drinkers will ultimately benefit from the increased distribution that CUB can bring to these great brands. ”With the completion of the SABMiller-Foster’s Group transaction, SABMiller acquires the remaining 50% interest from CCA in Pacific Beverages which brings all brands and operations under the CUB business.

Following the SABMiller transaction, Anheuser Busch InBev, global owner of Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe, has exercised its right to end its relationship with CUB for these brands.

Background

Coca Cola Amatil Limited (CCA) and SABMiller have cooperated in the Australian beer market through their 50/50 joint venture Pacific Beverages. Pacific Beverages operates only in Australia and New Zealand and manufactures and exclusively distributes Bluetongue beer and other brands owned by SABMiller, including Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Chill, Grolsch and Pilsner Urquell. CCA provides sales and distribution services to Pacific Beverages. SABMiller has agreed to acquire CCA’s interest in Pacific Beverages after the completed acquisition of Foster’s on 16 December 2011. Integration of Pacific Beverages into Foster’s Group and CUB is expected to be completed today.

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