Heineken said it was interested in acquiring Slovenia’s largest brewer Pivovarna Lasko, which would take the Dutch brewer into one of the few markets in Europe where it is not already present.

Lasko put itself up for sale last year and wants a buyer to inject at least €75 million into the business to help cut debt.

Heineken said in a statement that the Lasko and Union beer brands provided an excellent opportunity and their respective facilities were high quality and offered the possibility of Heineken bringing in its other brands.It also saw the potential to sell Lasko outside Slovenia.

Heineken, the world’s third largest brewer and the top seller in Europe, is already present in Slovenia’s neighbours, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.

According to Slovenian daily newspaper Delo, which is owned by Lasko, binding bids are due by Thursday.

The company also produces mineral and spring water, non-alcoholic beverages, spirits and other alcoholic drinks and has a newspaper and publishing activity.

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