Closing of Harbin Investment

RNS Number:0628O
SABMiller PLC
29 July 2003



SABMILLER ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN HARBIN BREWERY GROUP


London and Johannesburg, 29 July 2003.  SABMiller plc ("SABMiller") announces
the closing of its strategic investment in Harbin Brewery Group Limited 
("Harbin").  SABMiller has acquired a 29.6% stake in Harbin from China
Enterprise Development Fund ("CEDF"), for HK$675 million (approximately US$87
million) in cash, through a new subsidiary Gardwell Limited.    As part of the
agreement, SABMiller has formally entered into a Strategic Investor Agreement to
provide the framework for the sharing of best practices and the transfer of
relevant expertise.  The closing of the transaction consolidates SABMiller's
status as the leading international brewer in China.



ENDS



For further information:



Sue Clark

Director of Corporate Affairs                               [phone]
SABMiller plc                                      Mobile:  [phone]




Anna Miller Salzman
Head of Investor Relations                                  [phone]
SABMiller plc                                       Mobile: [phone]



Ciaran Baker                                                [phone]
Head of Corporate Communications                    Mobile: [phone]

SABMiller plc



SABMiller plc

SABMiller plc is one of the world's leading brewers, with major brewing and
distribution operations in America, Africa, Europe and Asia. It is the world's
second largest brewer by volume with 122 breweries in over 40 countries and some
45,000 employees. In the year ending 31 March 2003, SABMiller generated US$770
million pre-tax profit from turnover of US$9.1 billion.  The company is listed
on both the London and the Johannesburg stock exchanges.  SABMiller, through its
joint venture partner, China Resources Breweries, operates 30 breweries in 9
provinces in China with total volumes of over 27 million hectolitres in the year
ended 31 March 2003.  It entered the China market in 1994 and is one of the few
profitable foreign brewers operating in China.



Harbin Brewery Group Limited

Following the acquisition of three breweries during 2002 Harbin now has an
installed capacity of approximately 12.5 million hectolitres and pro forma sales
volumes of 10.4 million hectolitres. The company, through the Harbin brand, is a
leader in the North-Eastern China market in terms of market share and
profitability.



Notes to editors



1. The Chinese beer market is one of the fastest growing markets in the world.
Consumption is growing at over 6% per annum and as a result the Chinese market
is now believed to be the largest beer market in the world by volume.




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