Beer Industry: Philip Morris looks abroad for suitable Miller suitors; Venture with U.K. brewers could make for big, mediocre business.(Miller Brewing Co.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Advertising Age, February, 2002 by Chura, Hillary

A union between Miller Brewing Co. and two U.K. brewers would create the world's largest brewing concern, but industry experts envision a merger of also-rans rather than a worldwide beverage giant poised to shape industry globalization.

An agreement, said to be under discussion among Miller, South African Breweries and Scottish & Newcastle, could give the Philip Morris Cos. unit greater access to thriving imports and foreign distribution. It also would provide SAB and S&N access to Miller's many U.S. wholesalers. Some observers, however, say the U.K. beers are too heavy to sell well here and claim Miller's perennial problems could hamper any partner's growth.

``Sometimes you add a negative and a negative and do not get a positive,'' said Tom Pirko,...

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