Molson Coors Brews $3.5B Acquisition of StarBev

DENVER & MONTREALMolson Coors Brewing Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire StarBev for $3.54 billion. The acquisition fits squarely into Molson Coors strategy to increase its portfolio of premium brands and deepen its reach into growth markets around the world.

The transaction, subject to approval by certain European competition authorities, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. Following the close, StarBev will be operated as a separate business unit within Molson Coors and remain headquartered in the Czech Republic.

Following the acquisition, Molson Coors expects significantly more of its revenue will come from growth and emerging markets. The Central and Eastern European (CEE) markets are expected to benefit from positive volume and per capita consumption trends over the long-term.

The Central and Eastern European beer market is attractive, with strong historical trends and upside potential as the region returns to its pre-economic-crisis growth rates," said Molson Coors President and CEO Peter Swinburn. StarBev, as a market leader in the CEE region, provides Molson Coors with a great platform for growth and an excellent foundation from which to extend our key brands, such as Carling, into Central and Eastern Europe. Staropramen, StarBevs international flagship brand, will also enhance our portfolio in some of our current and planned markets."

StarBev operates nine breweries in Central and Eastern Europe and generated 2011 sales of approximately $1 billion. Starbevs portfolio of more than 20 brands including Borsodi, Kamenitza, Bergenbier, Ozusko, Jelen and Niksicko, and also distributes brands such as Stella Artois, Becks, Hoegaarden, Lowenbrau and Leffe under license.