Kazakhstan-based RG Brands acquired Uni Commerce Ltd.

/Kazakhstan today, April 14, 04/ - RG Brands, Kazakhstan company, acquired a controlling stake over Uni Commerce Ltd, RG Brands representatives told press conference today, on April 14. Conference holders named the fact of acquisition of Uni Commerce Ltd., a distribution company, as an example of forward integration, which is believed to improve efficiency. According to Kairat Mazhibayev, president of Resmi Group Ltd., the project itself is a result of three-year trade partnership between RG Brands and Uni Commerce. As acquisition completed, RG Brands became a major player at the market of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Kazakhstan. Taking into consideration good economic growth indicators and growing purchasing power of population, RG Brands is able to take a proactive approach in order to respond to growing needs quickly. Specialists estimated the potential of market where the Company operates at more than $800 m. According to AC Nielsen, research agency, RG Brands retains its leadership status at market under pressure of taught competitive forces, which include both Russian and foreign producers. It was made possible thank to innovative technologies and specific western style marketing and management tactics. RG Brands, audited by Deloitte (Almaty), boosted its sales to KZT9 bn in 2003. The volume of goods produced increased by 45% relative to 2002. Pepsi Cola Bottlers expanded its production by 40%, juice ultimate producer RG Brands claimed it raised its production volume by 60%, while tea producer Tea Land reported on 130% increase. Arman Zhanalinov, RG Brands CEO, told that was made possible through synergies that the Company was able to capture in time. Mr. Zhanalinov is strongly convinced his company will be growing faster in the future. [2004-04-14]