Interbrew expands its presence

Interbrew of Belgium, brewer of Stella Artois and Labatt beers, announced that it has agreed to buy a 24 per cent stake in Zhujiang Brewery and plans to raise its stake as it expands its presence in China. No financial details were revealed, but Interbrew said that the purchase preceded an IPO by the Chinese company. Interbrew sold 400,000 hectolitres of beer in China in 2001 through its majorityowned Nanjing Jinling Brewery.