Carlsberg takes majority stake in Cambodian brewer Cambrew

Carlsberg has increased its stake in Cambodian brewer Cambrew Limited by 25%, meaning the Danish brewer now owns 75% of the company.

Cambrew Limited is one of the largest brewers in the country, producing the Angkor Premium Beer for the Cambodian market, as well as producing and bottling Pepsi products for Cambodian consumers.

The Danish brewer did not disclose how much it had invested to increase its stake in Cambrew, though it did claim that the investment would significantly strengthen its position in Asia, as Cambodia’s growing beer market offers ‘appealing growth opportunities’.

Carlsberg and Cambrew have worked together in the country for 26 years, and Carlsberg has stated that Cambrew will retain a 25% stake in the company.

Carlsberg CEO Cees ’t Hart said: “The increased ownership of Cambrew is in line with our strategic priority of growing our business in Asia.

“The transaction gives us management control of the business in a beer market that offers appealing long-term growth opportunities.

“By driving the iconic Angkor Premium Beer brand, together with our international premium portfolio and a successful soft drinks business, we’re well positioned to capture the growth opportunities in Cambodia.”

Earlier this year, Carlsberg opened a new brewery in Karnataka, India as part of its Asian growth strategy. According to Carlsberg, the plant is capable of producing 80 million litres of beer annually.