Grolsch 'delighted' at sale of Carling to Coors

Grolsch says it's delighted Interbrew is selling Carling to US brewer Coors.

The £1.2bn deal means Coors has also acquired Carling's 49% stake in Grolsch UK.

Belgian firm Grolsch is the majority stakeholder in the joint venture.

The venture, which was set up in 1994, is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of the Grolsch brand in the UK and Ireland.

Grolsch spokesman Coen Thonissen says there's no conflict of interest, and it is a good basis for the company's continued success in the UK.

Mr Thonissen says Grolsch stands at number four in the UK in the premium lager market segment, and "is the fastest-growing brand in the UK".

Grolsch estimates it sold 800,000 hectolitres during 2001, compared with 600,000 last year.