Russia: AB InBev and Anadolu Efes Russian JV renamed by Moscow-appointed management

The Russian joint venture between AB InBev and Anadolu Efes of Turkey has changed its name and logo following a decision by Moscow-appointed management, belganewsagency.eu reported on September 2.

According to Anadolu Efes, this does not affect the company's ownership structure or legal status, and it has been under temporary state control since December 2023.

According to the Russian news agency TASS, the new name, Napitki Vmeste ('Drinks Together'), is intended to reflect 'deep integration into the Russian economy'. The management team has confirmed that operations and obligations to the state, partners, and employees will continue unaffected.

AB InBev, which holds a 50 per cent non-controlling stake in the venture, has been trying to exit the Russian market since the invasion of Ukraine. However, two attempts to transfer its share to Anadolu Efes have been blocked by Russian authorities. The brewer also owns just under a quarter of Anadolu Efes itself.