Danish brewer Carlsberg first-quarter operating profits increase

Denmark lowers lending rate to 2.25 per cent Copenhagen- Danish brewer Carlsberg's first-quarter operating profit almost doubled year-on-year, the group said Wednesday, noting that its market shares increased in Asia and Eastern Europe.

The quarter's operating profit before special items was 788 million kroner (140 million dollars), compared to 388 million kroner for the corresponding business period in
2008.

Turnover in the quarter increased 25 per cent to 11.78 billion kroner year-on-year. The group posted a net loss of 158 million kroner.

Carlsberg's beer sales increased 34 per cent, which was attributed to earlier acquisitions.

Chief executive Jorgen Buhl Rasmussen said the quarter was "in line with our expectations in a market environment that was as challenging as anticipated, and we remain on track to achieve our full year guidance."

The Danish brewer has sales in more than 150 markets and sold the equivalent of 103 million bottles of beer a day in 2008.

In its outlook for full-year 2009, the group said it estimated an operating profit of 9 billion kroner.(dpa)