Anadolu Efes and AB InBev, the number two and three in the Russian market, could join forces to catch up with leading brewing group Carlsberg. According to a report of "Vedomosti”, Robin Michael Goetzsche, Beer Group President and CEO of Anadolu Efes mentioned in an interview that both groups could combine their Russian business in order to improve financial performance in a difficult market environment.
In 2012 London based brewer SABMiller gained a 24% stake in Anadolu Efes in exchange for its operations in Russia and Ukraine, which it combined with those of the Turkish brewing group. Two months ago AB InBev bought its rival SAB Miller for $104 billion, which made AB InBev indirectly largest shareholder in Anadolu Efes. Therefore it seems logical that both brewers should combine their business in Russia, bringing it up to 27% market share which comes close to Carlsberg’s 34%.
Credit Suisse analyst Sanjeet Aujla cites two possible scenarios: AB InBev could either sell SUN InBev Russia to its Turkish partner in exchange for shares in it or purchase Efes’ Russian assets. Experts see also the possibility of cooperations and mergers of both partners in other CIS countries.
Robin Michael Goetzsche :
Goetzsche had been working with SAB Miller for 27 years before he was appointed managing director of Efes Russia in May 2014. One year ago, in Novemer 2015 he was promoted Beer Group President and CEO of Anadolu Efes. In January 2016 his former role in Russia was taken over by John Gavin Hudson who now reports directly to Mr. Goetzsche.
Anadolu Efes:
Anadolu Efes operates a total of 15 breweries consisting of, 4 in Turkey, 6 in Russia, 2 in Kazakhstan and one in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, along with 6 malteries and 1 hops processing facility. The company is by sales volume the 6th biggest brewing group in Europe and 12th in the world and market leader in Turkey, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Moldova.
