February 14, 2002 -- In a brewery takeover story so familiar it has now become almost mundane, another major player in the global brewing industry has announced has announced its intent to acquire a smaller international operator. In this case, it's the British giant Scottish & Newcastle training its sights on a Finnish brewery group.

S&N today announced that it has launched a bid for the Finnish brewing company Hartwall PLC. According to an Associated Press story, the all-share offer values the Finnish company at 2 billion euros (US$1.74 billion).

One of Finland's leading beverage companies, Hartwall was founded in 1836 and today produces such leading brands as Lapin Kulta. Along with Carlsberg Breweries, it also owns Baltic Beverages Holding, a joint venture that operates breweries in Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Ukraine, including Estonia's Saku Brewery.

S&N's last major acquisition was Kronenbourg of France.

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