JULY 20, 2001

Beck's to be bought

JAGUAR RACING sponsor Beck's could be bought by the giant Belgian brewing firm Interbrew but the deal is unlikely to effect the company's F1 sponsorship program, although Interbrew has usually steered clear of F1 in the past.

But the Louvain-based brewing company, best known for its Stella Artois and Labatt brands might decide that it is better to promote Stella Artois than it is Beck's. This makes sound commercial sense and would fit in with Jaguar Racing as the team races in green and red, Stella's colors.

There are hurdles for the purchase off Beck's by Interbrew and there are serious competition issues in some countries, notably in Britain where Interbrew has already clashed with the competition authorities over the purchase of Bass.