ORK - Carlsberg Asia increases shareholding in Hite brewery, South Korea

The acquisition strengthens both Carlsberg Asia's position as one of Asia's largest brewery groups and the co-operation with the Park family. The Park family has controlled the company since its establishment in 1933.

The total control of the Hite share capital is now just above 25 per cent. As of January 2002, Hite will be consolidated as an associated company.

The acquisition is part of Carlsberg Breweries' strategy to strengthen its position in Asia through the joint venture company Carlsberg Asia. Carlsberg Asia is under establishment and is 50/50 owned by Carlsberg Breweries A/S and Chang Beverages.

The Hite brewery
Today, Hite is South Korea's biggest brewery with a market share of 54 per cent. The company has been through an outstanding turn around since the Asian crisis of 1997/98 and its Korean management has secured Hite's position as the top earning drinks company in the country. The production from its three modern breweries was in 2001 approx. 9.5 million hectolitres beer.

Enclosed to www.ose.no is this notification included key figures for Hite brewery.