Carlsberg A/S will bid for the State-controlled Hanoi Beer Alcohol and Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (Habeco) in March or April, but the Vietnamese Government may have more than one option to choose from when it comes to buyers. The government is seeking to equitize Habeco, the country's second-largest brewer, by selling its 82% stake. Carlsberg, which already owns 17% of the company, holds priority purchase rights for a 60% stake.

Commenting on the incident, Mr. Cees't Hart stated, "We have not been able to make a bid. We expect to submit a bid in March or April."