U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 29, 2000
Commission File No. 0-22524
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MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC.
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(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
California 68-0318293
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(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
13351 South Highway 101, 95449
Hopland, California
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (707) 744-1015
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Item 5. Other events
Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc. (the "Company") announced on March 29, 2000 that
it is acquiring UBSN Ltd. ("UBSN") pursuant to a stock purchase agreement to be
executed with UBSN's ultimate parent, and acquiring the distribution rights for
Kingfisher Premium Lager Beer in the United States from United Breweries
International, UK Ltd. ("UBI, UK Ltd.")
A copy of the press release announcing the Company's proposed acquisition of UBI
is attached as Exhibit 4.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7. Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
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4.1 Press release dated March 29, 2000 announcing the Company's
acquisition of UBSN and the U.S. distribution rights to
Kingfisher Premium Lager Beer from UBI, UK Ltd.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements on the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: March 29, 2000 By /s/ P.A. Murali
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P.A. Murali, Chief Financial Officer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description Sequentially Numbered Page
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4.1 Press release dated March 29, 2000 4
announcing the Company's acquisition
of UBSN and the U.S. distribution
rights to Kingfisher Premium Lager
Beer from UBI, UK Ltd.
EXHIBIT 4.1
Contacts: P.A. Murali, CFO (707) 463-6610 For Immediate Release
Yashpal Singh, President (707) 463-2087
News Release
MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY ANNOUNCES INTENT TO ACQUIRE UBSN LTD. UK, THE
EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTOR OF KINGFISHER PREMIUM LAGER, AND THE U.S.
DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS TO KINGFISHER PREMIUM LAGER
Ukiah, California, March 29, 2000. Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc. (PSE: MBR)
announced today that it intends to enter into two transactions with affiliates
of its largest shareholder, United Breweries of America Inc.
In the first transaction, Mendocino Brewing Company intends to acquire UBSN Ltd.
UK, which is the European distributor of the UB Group's flagship brand,
Kingfisher Premium Lager. In the second transaction, Mendocino Brewing Company
announced that it intends to acquire the distribution rights to Kingfisher
Premium Lager Beer in the United States from United Breweries International, UK
Ltd. ("UBI, UK Ltd.")
The two transactions are expected to be finalized by the end of May 2000,
subject to the necessary due diligence and regulatory approvals. Once completed,
the acquisitions will provide Mendocino Brewing Company with the exclusive
rights to distribute Kingfisher Premium Lager Beer in the United States.
In 1999, UBSN's U.S. dollar equivalent revenues were $12.4 million and earnings
before taxes were $314,500 (computed at $1.70 to (UK lb.) 1.00). UBSN Ltd.
distributed approximately 47,500 barrels of beer in 1999; 80%, of which was sold
in the United Kingdom; the balance was sold in Europe, the United States,
Canada, and Japan.
Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman of Mendocino Brewing Company states, "The acquisition
of UBSN Ltd. UK, and securing the US distribution rights for Kingfisher Premium
Lager by Mendocino Brewing Company, will present the company several strategic
benefits. The addition of Kingfisher, a two-time World Champion lager,
strengthens our current brand portfolio and allows Mendocino Brewing Company to
maximize our base of consumers. Also, UBSN with its strong presence in Europe,
presents us with the possibility of exporting our Red Tail Ale and Eye of the
Hawk Select Ale brands to new markets. We intend to take full advantage of the
new opportunities before us."
Mendocino Brewing Company has historically brewed four ales and a stout
year-round, one seasonal ale, and one seasonal porter. The brands include Red
Tail Ale, Blue Heron Pale Ale, Eye of the Hawk Select Ale, Black Hawk Stout,
Peregrine Golden Ale, and two seasonals for the domestic craft beer market. The
Corporation's common stock is publicly traded on the Pacific Stock Exchange
under the symbol "MBR."
