The total sum was about 816 million euros that was a little bit bigger then these shares cost at the moment of the agreement was announced (47,4 euros per share).
SABMiller informed that the company planned to develop the Grolsch brand in Africa and Latin America, where the premium segment was still in its infancy, and in the more developed markets of Central and Eastern Europe.
“Within the SABMiller family Grolsch will continue to build on almost 400 years of brewing heritage, and together we will establish new positions in the most important emerging beer markets around the world. Both companies share a passion for the brewing tradition, and we are delighted to be part of this new chapter in Grolsch’s development”, - said Graham Mackay, Chief Executive of SABMiller, commenting this company’s decision.
In May 14th, 2008 SABMiller also reached the principal agreement with Anheuser-Busch to transfer the US importation rights for the Grolsch beer brand to SABMiller’s subsidiary, Miller Brewing Company. The agreement allows Grolsch access to Miller Brewing Company’s network of around 450 distributors.
It should be marked that Anheuser-Busch acquired the US distribution rights to the Grolsch brand in February 2006, prior to SABMiller’s subsequent acquisition of the Dutch brewer Royal Grolsch N.V. which was completed in February 2008.
Besides, in May, 2008 SABMiller began the sale and distribution of the Grolsch brand in Australia via its Australian joint venture, Pacific Beverages Limited.
Grolsch history
