United Breweries Limited (UBL), a leading player in the Indian beer market, has announced a significant expansion of its production capabilities at its Nizam Brewery in Telangana. The company's board has approved a ₹90 crore investment to add a new canning line, which will increase the facility's capacity by 0.4 million hectoliters.

Expansion Details

The expansion project, as disclosed in the company's latest regulatory filing, includes the following key points:

• Investment: ₹90.00 crore
• Capacity Addition: 0.40 million hectoliters (mhl)
• Timeline: Expected completion within one year
• Financing: To be funded through internal accruals

Current Operations and Rationale

According to the filing, the existing capacity of the Nizam Brewery stands at 0.50 mhl, with a current utilization rate exceeding 90%. The company cites market demand as the primary rationale for this expansion.

New Canning Line

The new canning line facility at the Nizam Brewery is designed primarily to produce premium products under the Kingfisher and Heineken® brands. This strategic move is likely aimed at capitalizing on the growing demand for canned beer products in the Indian market.

Regulatory Approvals

United Breweries has secured all necessary regulatory approvals for this expansion, including the crucial Building Permit Order issued by the Industrial Area Local Authority - Kothlapur on August 25, 2025.

Market Implications

This expansion underscores United Breweries' commitment to meeting the increasing demand for its products and strengthening its position in the competitive Indian beer market. The focus on premium products suggests a strategic alignment with changing consumer preferences and potentially higher-margin offerings.

The investment in increased production capacity, particularly in canning capabilities, may also indicate the company's response to evolving packaging trends and consumer behaviors in the beverage industry.

As United Breweries moves forward with this significant capacity addition, industry observers will be watching closely to see how this expansion impacts the company's market share and financial performance in the coming years.

United Breweries Limited (UBL), a prominent player in the Indian beer market, has announced a significant corporate governance move. The company has issued a postal ballot notice to its shareholders, seeking approval for the appointment of a new statutory auditor through remote e-voting.

Key Details of the Postal Ballot

• Voting Period: The e-voting window will be open from August 20, 2025, to September 18, 2025.
• Cut-off Date: Shareholders on record as of August 14, 2025, will be eligible to participate in the voting process.
• Resolution Type: Ordinary Resolution
• Proposed Auditor: Messrs. B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 101248W/W-100022)

Reason for Change

The need for this appointment arises from the resignation of the current auditors, Messrs. Deloitte Haskins & Sells, following the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on August 07, 2025. UBL cites alignment with its ultimate holding company, HEINEKEN, as the primary reason for this change. HEINEKEN appointed KPMG as their statutory auditors effective January 1, 2025.

Proposed Tenure and Fees

If approved, B S R & Co. LLP will serve as UBL's statutory auditors from August 8, 2025, until the conclusion of the 27th AGM in 2026. The proposed fees for their services are set at ₹26.60 million, excluding additional costs such as technology and telecommunication expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, and applicable taxes.

Company's Rationale

UBL believes that aligning its auditors with those from the same network as HEINEKEN's will enhance coordination with the group auditors and improve efficiency in the audit process. This decision takes into account UBL's relative materiality within the HEINEKEN Group.

Auditor's Profile

B S R & Co. LLP is a member of B S R & Affiliates, a network registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. With over 4,000 staff and 140+ partners across 14 locations in India, the firm brings extensive experience in auditing companies listed on Indian stock exchanges, including those in the consumer markets sector.

Voting Process

Eligible shareholders can cast their votes electronically through the remote e-voting system provided by Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL). The company has emphasized the importance of this process in ensuring transparency and good corporate governance.

United Breweries Limited's move to appoint new auditors reflects its commitment to maintaining high standards of financial reporting and aligning with global best practices. Shareholders are encouraged to participate in the voting process to have their say in this important corporate decision.