The Dutch company HEINEKEN has taken contrail of its Austrian counterpart BBAG (turnover of i.1 bn in 2002 with workforce of 7700). HEINEKEN launched a take-over bid of a total amount of EUR 1.9 bn for 100% of BBAG's capital and has been given assurances that it will obtain at least 68,7%. Once the deal is finalised, HEINEKEN will launch a take-over bid for the rest of its shares, valued at EUR 124 per share. With total production of 26 million hectolitres, the new group, BRAU UNION, will become the number one in the sector in Eastern Europe with market share of 27%.