Russian authorities have once again blocked the sale of AB InBev’s stake in its Russian joint venture with Turkish brewer Anadolu Efes, as reported by Anadolu Efes on Friday.
AB InBev has been trying to divest its Russian affiliate since the invasion of Ukraine.
In December 2023, the world’s largest brewer announced plans to transfer its non-controlling 50% stake in AB InBev Efes to its Turkish partner without compensation, but Russian authorities halted this move in mid-2023.
In October 2024, a new proposal emerged: Anadolu Efes would fully acquire the Russian joint venture, while AB InBev would gain complete control over their Ukrainian joint venture. The brewers emphasised they could not guarantee the necessary approvals.
Despite the revised terms, Russian regulators have rejected the transaction, Anadolu Efes announced on Friday. The Turkish company, in which AB InBev holds a nearly 25% stake, stated, “We are reviewing next steps with AB InBev.”
Additionally, in December last year, Moscow took day-to-day control of AB InBev Efes. Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree handing the local group Vmeste temporary control over the eleven Russian breweries.
