The state-owned Hanoi Beer Company (Habeco) recently announced plans to begin operating this year as a equitized company, offering a potentially lucrative investment for foreign brewers. The announcement is particularly interesting for Carlsberg, which has already established links with Habeco for a possible partnership in the country.
Carlsberg views Vietnam as a driving force in the development of the region's beer market.
Expected average annual growth for beer production in Vietnam is around 8%, according to Carlsberg's own figures.
This the company expects will see beer sales in the country - which totaled 15.2 million hectoliters in 2006, rise to 28.1 million hectoliters by 2015, making the market the third largest in Asia.
Under the terms of the equitization, the Vietnamese government will retain a 76% stake of Habeco, with the remaining 24% distributed between staff and investors.
Of this 24%, only 10 percent will be available for purchase by a strategic business partner, leaving Carlsberg at best with the potential of a minority stake in the group.
Jens Peter Skaarup, Carlsberg's international spokesperson said that the company was prepared for a gradual approach to expanding its operations within the country, and would persevere with its plans.
Source: Thanh Nien
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