24 September 2011

Coopers Brewery says SABMiller’s expected takeover of Foster’s means Coopers will enter its150th year in 2012 as the largest remaining Australian-owned brewer.

Coopers’ Managing Director, Dr Tim Cooper, said that while there is still some water to flow under the bridge before the SABMiller takeover is completed, the offer has been recommended by the Foster’s board.

The impending purchase of Foster’s follows Kirin’s complete acquisition of Lion Nathan in April 2009.

“Being the largest Australian-owned brewer is a badge of honour we will wear with pride. This represents the reward for 150 years of hard work in brewing by the Cooper family,” he said. 

“Coopers currently has about 4% of the Australian beer market, but we see the fact that we remain Australian-owned will provide us with strong marketing opportunities in the future.”

Dr Cooper said Coopers would continue to vigorously maintain its independence and continue to focus on producing quality products for an appreciative public.

“We will continue to maintain a long-term view on our performance and position in the market,” he said.

“This determination was underlined in 2005 when Coopers withstood the takeover bid by Lion Nathan.”