Last Friday (15 September), leading French foodmaker Danone and the Brazilian drinks company AmBev and the signed an agreement for the acquisition of the major 57.34% stake in the capital of Uruguayan brewer Compania Salus. The acquisition, to be bought on the Montevideo Bourse in October, was made through a joint company, in which Danone holds the major 73.75% share.
With 430 employees and two plants, Salus net sales totalled US$30m last year. The company controls approximately 42% of the Uruguayan mineral water market and is the country’s second largest brewer with 24% of the beer market. Its flagship products are in the “Patricia” brand.
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The buyout of this market leader is part of AmBev’s strategy for international expansion, and will reinforce Danone’s presence in Latin America.
