Business Apr. 28, 2008 - 06:05AM JST ( 0 )

TOKYO —

Asahi Breweries Ltd is considering investing in leading Vietnam beer maker Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corp, informed sources say. Asahi, which has been in contact with Saigon Beer, hopes to acquire a stake of 10% initially and increase it to around 20 pct in the future, the sources said.

The major Japanese brewer approached Saigon Beer after obtaining a tip that the Vietnamese company would release 20% of its outstanding shares, they said. But it is uncertain whether Asahi can actually obtain Saigon Beer’s shares, because other major beer makers in the world are also looking to acquire a stake in the Vietnam industry leader, the sources said.

JCN