The process of merger Baltika-Almaty with Derbes in Kazakhstan has been completed

In accordance with the strategy to integrate companies within the Carlsberg Group, the process for the reorganization and merger of Baltika-Almaty, which coordinated the sales and marketing of Baltika Breweries products in Kazakhstan, with DERBES Breweries was successfully completed.

As a result of the reorganization, Baltika has received 10% of DERBES’s charter capital. This means that Baltika is now able to participate in the control of the business and in the management of DERBES, with the prospect of making a profit on its investment, by receiving dividend payments from DERBES.

Anton Artemiev, President of Baltika Breweries and the Carlsberg Group’s Senior Vice-President for Eastern Europe: "The merger of Baltika-Almaty completes the process of the integration of Baltika Breweries and DERBES Breweries within the Carlsberg Group on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The integration of the companies’ business creates additional opportunities to increase the combined portfolio of brands and to reinforce the Carlsberg Group’s leading positions in the Republic. It will consequently enable us to develop our business more dynamically on this growing market".

As previously announced, in January 2010 Baltika signed a license agreement with DERBES Breweries concerning the transfer of the rights to use trademarks, as well as the know-how necessary for the production, sales and promotion of Baltika and Nevskoye brands in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This agreement is valid until the end of 2029.

Baltika products are currently manufactured under licence in Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Great Britain and Australia.