Carlsberg and S&N consider merger - report

Carlsberg Breweries AS is considering a merger with Scottish & Newcastle Breweries PLC, Dagens Naeringsliv reported citing several anonymous sources within Carlsberg.

Combined, the companies would be the second largest brewer in the world, with Orkla ASA as the dominant owner.

Scottish & Newcastle has completed the acquisition of Hartwall, which is partner to Carlsberg Breweries in Baltic Beverages Holding (BBH).

However, a Carlsberg source said that Scottish & Newcastle and Carlsberg cannot both own 50% of BBH and also be competitors.

The sources did not indicate the imminence or the level of possibility of such a deal, the paper said.