The takeover comes after the merger of SABMiller with another beer industry giant, AB InBev, and a condition for the deal to receive approval was the sale of SABMiller in Central and Eastern Europe, a region that includes the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania.
Ursus Breweries is the leader of the beer market in Romania. In 2015, the company reported a turnover of RON1.58 billion (EUR355 million) and a profit of RON44 million (EUR10 million).
According to the company’s data, every third beer made and sold in Romania comes from Ursus Breweries. It is the market leader of all three market segments – low price segment (Ciucas), mainstream (Timisoreana) and premium (Ursus).
Ursus Breweries portfolio includes brands such as Ursus, Ciucas, Timisoreana, Azuga, Stejar, Redd’s, Peroni, Pilsner Urquell or Grolsch, as well as three factories located in Brasov, Timisoara and Buzau.
Ursus Breweries was held by SAB Miller for almost two decades.