The Carlsberg Group has entered into an agreement with Bitburger Braugruppe to acquire the Wernesgrüner Brewery, including the Wernesgrüner brand, in the Vogtland region of Saxony, Germany.

The Wernesgrüner brand is one of Germany's most traditional German beer brands. Cees ’t Hart, CEO of Carlsberg, says: “The acquisition of the Wernesgrüner Brewery will strengthen our position in our core regions of northern and eastern Germany. We will be able to offer a stronger portfolio to our customers, and the acquisition will bring considerable benefits in both production and logistics.”

The addition of Wernesgrüner brewery to Carlsberg's supply chain network will improve efficiency and flexibility in production and logistics in Carlsberg's German business, according to the company. It is a modern and efficient brewery with a capacity of approx. 1 million hl. In 2019, production volume was approx. 0.5 million hl, and revenue was 31 million euros.

The transaction is anticipated to complete on January 1, 2021, subject to competition clearance.