Carlton & United Breweries (CUB), the Australian brewing division of Foster’s Group Limited (Foster’s), today announced its intention to acquire Bulmer Australia Limited (BAL) a wholly owned subsidiary of UK based HP Bulmer for $63 million.

The acquisition will include:

• ownership of the leading Australian cider brand Strongbow, Woodpecker, Devondale, Harvest and Zolensky brands in Australia and New Zealand;
• production facilities at Campbelltown, NSW and Gisborne, New Zealand;
• Bulmer Harvest (New Zealand) owns brand rights for New Zealand’s number one cider brand, ‘Harvest’; and
• a licensing agreement with HP Bulmer to produce and distribute Scrumpy Jack Bulmers Original brands in Australia.

The acquisition is subject to HP Bulmer UK shareholder and Australian regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed in early 2003.

CUB Managing Director, Mr Trevor O’Hoy said, "The acquisition of BAL enhances CUB’s strategy to achieve earnings growth via bolt-on acquisitions to supplement organic growth.

"CUB expects to drive synergy benefits and exploit brand growth opportunities through the company’s greater sales, marketing and distribution penetration.

"The acquisition will bring together under the one portfolio Australia’s leading cider brand Strongbow with the fastest growing cider, CUB’s Mercury brand.

"The acquisition will be earnings per share positive and shareholder value accretive in the first year and is consistent with CUB’s focus on building a premium brand portfolio, with the leading cider brands Strongbow in Australia and Harvest in New Zealand," Mr O’Hoy said.

In Fiscal 2002, BAL generated sales revenue of $40 million.

Further information:
Media:
Geoff Donohue
General Manager: CUB Public Affairs
Tel: +613 9633 2255
Mob: +61 439 318 695

Investor Relations:
Domenic Panaccio
VP Capital Markets
Tel: +613 9633 2641
Mob: +613 418 243 714