We are advising Cēsu alus on its planned acquisition of Valmiermuižas alus. The transaction concerns two of the leading breweries in Latvia’s northern Vidzeme region.
About the acquisition
Cēsu alus group has agreed to acquire Valmiermuižas alus with the intention of developing both breweries together. Cēsu alus is itself owned by Olvi Group, a Finnish-based beverage company that has grown into an international multi-beverage group, operating in six countries including Estonia and Lithuania. This acquisition advances Olvi’s strategic objectives to become the most popular beverage company in the region.
The acquisition is still subject to approval from the Latvian Competition Council.
Our team and involvement
Our team is led by partner Eva Berlaus, together with senior associate Līva Aleksejeva, and also includes partner Aija Lasmane; senior associates Andris Vilisons, Zanda Frišfelde, Māris Simulis, Santa Prauliņa, Kristīne Erele and Marika Grunte; as well as associates Alise Igale and Raivis Liberts.
Our assistance included legal due diligence on Valmiermuižas alus, assistance with drafting transaction documentation and negotiation of the transaction terms, and assistance with the signing of the transaction, and we are also assisting with filing an application to the Competition Council, and will continue to assist the client until the closing of the transaction.
About Cēsu alus
Cēsu alus is the oldest brewery in Latvia, with brewing activities dating back to 1590. Today, the brewery is the largest beer producer and one of the leading beverage manufacturers in Latvia. The Cēsu alus group also includes the Piebalgas alus brewery, which joined in 2021 and continues independent operations in Jaunpiebalga. The Cēsu alus product range includes beer, cider and cocktails, as well as a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages and bottled waters (such as Dārza lemonade, Ulmaņlaiku kvass, Dynami:t energy drinks, Everest water and Limpo lemonade), offering consumers a selection of broad and high-quality products. Cēsu alus has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in Latvia, having since 2023 received the highest rating in the Sustainability Index: the Diamond category. The company operates responsibly, caring for the environment, employees and society. It is the largest taxpayer in the Vidzeme region.
