SABMiller and Asahi eyeing Foster's activities

Asahi Breweries and SABMiller are interested in operating in the Australian beer Foster's Group, although the two giants of the brewing world have not yet decided to make a formal bid, officials said Monday from sources near situation.

While analysts say the deal could be for an amount exceeding 10 billion dollars (7.9 billion euros), the Sunday Times reported Sunday that SABMiller was considering acquiring the operations of Foster's in beer for about seven billion pounds (8.6 billion euros).

One source interviewed by Reuters said Monday that Asahi was interested.

The Australian press announcement Monday that his side SABMiller has appointed JPMorgan and Royal Bank of Scotland to advise on this issue but no decision has yet been taken.

The new permit under the Australian group, who decided to split its business in wines and beer, to earn 6.19% to 6.18 Australian dollars to the Sydney Stock Exchange at about 5:30 GMT.

In response to press reports, Foster's, which owns brands including Foster's Lager, Victoria Bitter and Pure Blonde, said he was unaware of any unexpected information, while Asahi did not want to do comments.

SABMiller, which owns the rights to brew Foster's in the U.S., carries about 85% of its profits in the emerging markets of Latin America, Africa and Asia.

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