Vietnam's largest brewer, Sabeco, which is controlled by Thai Beverage, is set to acquire a significant stake in the country’s third largest brewing company Saigon Binh Tay Beer Group (Sabibeco). Sabeco plans to purchase an additional 37.8 million shares, representing 43.2% of Sabibeco, at a price of VND 22,000 (USD 0.89) per share. This transaction will amount to over VND 831 billion (USD 33.68 million) and will make Sabibeco a subsidiary of Sabeco and Sabeco clear market leader in Vietnam.
Currently, Sabeco holds 14.4 million shares of Sabibeco, or 16.4%, with related parties controlling another 5.5 million shares, or 6.3%. Once the acquisition is finalized, Sabeco's and its affiliates' combined stake in Sabibeco will rise to 65.9%, solidifying its control over the company.
The acquisition of Sabibeco, known for its popular Sagota beer brand, will allow Sabeco to significantly expand its production capacity and enhance its position as Vietnam's top brewer by volume.
Sabeco already operates 26 brewing plants across the country, with a total annual capacity of 24 million hectoliters. Adding Sabibeco’s six breweries, which produce 6.1 million hectoliters annually, will increase Sabeco's total capacity to 30.1 million hectoliters per year.
This move comes as Sabeco faces stiff competition in the Vietnamese beer market from major players such as Heineken Vietnam, which has an annual capacity of 27.8 million hectoliters, along with Habeco, Carlsberg, and Sapporo, whose capacities stand at 8 million, 3.6 million, and 1.5 million hectoliters respectively.
In addition to the acquisition, Sabeco has also launched a new beer brand, Bia333 Pilsner, a smoother, lighter version of its classic brand.
A standout feature of Bia 333 Pilsner is its use of hops sourced from Bavaria's Hallertau region, the largest hop-growing area in the world. These hops are a crucial ingredient in Bia 333 Pilsner, contributing to its refined flavor with a gentle bitterness that complements its well-balanced taste.
By blending these premium ingredients with advanced European Extended Cold Fermentation technology, 333 Pilsner offers a lighter, smoother taste, setting it apart from other beers and enhancing the overall drinking experience.
