Asia: Head of Carlsberg�s Asia division is stepping down

The head of Danish brewer Carlsberg's growth region Asia is stepping down to take up a similar position at fashion group Levi Strauss & Company, Carlsberg said on April, 24.

Carlsberg, which like bigger rivals AB InBev, SABMiller and Heineken, is looking increasingly to Asia for growth to offset a weaker performance in Europe, said it was already seeking a replacement.

Roy Bagattini, who has headed Carlsberg's Asia division since 2009, will leave his position in June.

The world's biggest brewers are battling to acquire smaller rivals and capacity in the Asia region.

As part of its quest to grow in Asia, Carlsberg last month launched a partial takeover bid worth 2.65 billion Danish crowns ($461.49 million) for 30.31 percent of the shares in Chongqing Brewery Company.

If successful, that will give Carlsberg control of the company and a stake of up to 60 percent.

In February, the brewer also said it was returning to Myanmar following the easing of international sanctions which forced it out of the country in the mid-1990s.