COMPANIES
SABMiller launches Miller Brands UK
Posted Fri, 22 Jul 2005
SABMiller announced on Thursday the launch of Miller Brands (UK) Limited, a new operating company which will manage the sales, marketing and distribution of Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Castle Lager in the UK.
The brewing giant said: "For the first time, Miller Brands will drive the strategic direction and investment for all four of SABMiller’s premium brands in the UK. An initial investment of £30-million (R344-million) over the next two years signals the company’s determination to increase its share of the premium beer market.
As part of the move, SABMiller said that it had reached a new agreement with Scottish & Newcastle to transfer the marketing and distribution rights for Miller Genuine Draft to Miller Brands from January 2006.
At the same time, Scottish & Newcastle will transfer back the distribution rights for Peroni Nastro Azzurro in the off-trade. Scottish & Newcastle will continue to contract brew Miller Genuine
Draft and manage the 'Miller Beer' brand under licence in the UK.
Physical distribution of would start in October 2005 when Miller Brands takes over responsibility for Pilsner Urquell, Castle Lager and Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Miller Genuine Draft will follow in January 2006.
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