Russia: The synergetic effect of BBH merger in Russia could reach $100 mln in 2007

The synergetic effect of the merger of Baltic Beverages Holding's (BBH) Russian assets could grow to $100 million in 2007, Baltika Breweries President Anton Artemiev said at a press conference in Moscow, according to Interfax News Agency, March 15.

The synergetic effect of the merger amounted to $80 million in 2005- 2006, he said. "Reserves will increase it by another $20 million this year," he said.

The merger of the Baltika, Pikra, Yarpivo and Vena breweries began in 2005 when the companies began jointly buying raw materials and bottles, and production was unified technologically in 2006.

Some $116 million was invested in the development of production facilities in 2006. Total investment, including promotion, was $204 million last year. "There won't be any radical changes in this figure in 2007," Artemiev said.