FDBusiness.com

International brewers SABMiller and Anadolu Efes have completed their strategic alliance covering Turkey, Russia, the CIS, Central Asia and the Middle East, which was originally announced last October. SABMiller has transferred its Russian and Ukrainian beer businesses to Anadolu Efes in return for a 24% shareholding to be listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange.

The combination of SABMiller’s and Anadolu Efes’ Russian operations will create a strong number two in value share terms within the country’s beer market, with a highly attractive brand portfolio and is expected to yield significant cost synergies of at least $120 million per year, and provide additional revenue synergy opportunities.

Anadolu Efes and SABMiller will share best practice and Anadolu Efes will now develop SABMiller’s international brands in Turkey, Russia, the CIS, Central Asia and the Middle East.