The South African press has reported that Interbrew is negotiating an alliance with South African Breweries (SAB) that would provide a clever solution to the Belgian company's Bass troubles.
Interbrew refused to comment on the speculation but reports suggest that Interbrew would take a large stake in SAB through a "paper marriage" that would see SAB take control of Bass.
However, the UK's Department of Trade and Industry, which has to approve any buyers for the Bass business, might find reasons to object.
The Belgian government plans to file a complaint in the European Court of Justice against the British government in the next six weeks over its ruling blocking Interbrew's £2.3bn acquisition of Bass Brewers. The Department of Trade and Industry said it would "robustly contest any court case".
Even if the SAB-Interbrew speculation comes to nothing, prolonged legal proceedings û Interbrew is also challenging the government in the UK courts - should buy Interbrew time. This would enable it to invest in the Bass brewing division so it can sell it closer to the price it originally paid for the business.
The High Court in London is expected to decide in the next few weeks whether to review the Competition Commission's decisions.
Interbrew is annoyed it has to sell the operation in one piece. It would like to keep hold of the Irish and Scottish businesses, the so-called "Celtic Fringe"..
Analysts expect Bass to ultimately use the blocked acquisition as a springboard for aggressive global growth.
Analysts tip it to use the Bass brewing assets as leverage to create a value-added alliance with rivals and to expand through organic growth and acquisitions, especially in emerging markets. Austria's BBAG, which is exposed to central and eastern Europe, could be on its shopping list.
The City is upbeat about Interbrew's prospects despite the Bass fracas.
Interbrew refused to comment on the speculation but reports suggest that Interbrew would take a large stake in SAB through a "paper marriage" that would see SAB take control of Bass.
However, the UK's Department of Trade and Industry, which has to approve any buyers for the Bass business, might find reasons to object.
The Belgian government plans to file a complaint in the European Court of Justice against the British government in the next six weeks over its ruling blocking Interbrew's £2.3bn acquisition of Bass Brewers. The Department of Trade and Industry said it would "robustly contest any court case".
Even if the SAB-Interbrew speculation comes to nothing, prolonged legal proceedings û Interbrew is also challenging the government in the UK courts - should buy Interbrew time. This would enable it to invest in the Bass brewing division so it can sell it closer to the price it originally paid for the business.
The High Court in London is expected to decide in the next few weeks whether to review the Competition Commission's decisions.
Interbrew is annoyed it has to sell the operation in one piece. It would like to keep hold of the Irish and Scottish businesses, the so-called "Celtic Fringe"..
Analysts expect Bass to ultimately use the blocked acquisition as a springboard for aggressive global growth.
Analysts tip it to use the Bass brewing assets as leverage to create a value-added alliance with rivals and to expand through organic growth and acquisitions, especially in emerging markets. Austria's BBAG, which is exposed to central and eastern Europe, could be on its shopping list.
The City is upbeat about Interbrew's prospects despite the Bass fracas.
