Brewers size up joint bid for Scottish & Newcastle

Brewing giants Carlsberg and Heineken today said they were considering a potential joint bid for Foster’s brewer Scottish & Newcastle.

Danish firm Carlsberg is looking to buy S&N’s interests in France, Greece and eastern European drinks business BBH, while Heineken would take on the UK business and other European operations.

The two companies said they were in talks over a potential cash offer, although they have yet to make a formal approach.

S&N’s shares jumped 15% on the London stock exchange following the news.