Bangkok--16 May--ThaiBev - Interest to acquire Oishi raised Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev), Thailand’s leading alcoholic beverage company, reported a 3% increase in its first quarter revenues of 779 million baht to 26.740 billion baht over the first quarter of 2007. ThaiBev President and CEO, Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, said spirits revenue had continued to improve with a rise of 6.3% over the same period last year, as brown spirits continued to lead sales growth in Thailand. The company’s low-alcohol beers continued to sell well, with volume up 16.2% on the first quarter. “ThaiBev operates in a very seasonal industry domestically,” Mr. Thapana said, “but we have grown over the years by being as consistent as possible. We are seeing some changes, but overall, I think we are doing better than most as we have a strong position domestically and an excellent distribution network through which to maintain our market position and launch new products. We have a clear strategy to launch higher -margin products and move into non-alcoholic beverages. We recently launched a premium beer, Federbr?u, into the market as a signal that the company is aiming high and planning to enter new domestic segments.” At the same meeting yesterday, ThaiBev Board of Directors has also given a preliminary approval to undertake the acquisition of Oishi Group Public Company Limited (Oishi) pending a due diligence of Oishi and approval by ThaiBev’s shareholders. Oishi is currently listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. ThaiBev has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to acquire the 43.9% of Oishi held by Yodkij Business Co., Ltd. for 3,045.64 million baht. “ThaiBev has already made clear its strategy to enter into the non-alcohol beverage business when it purchased energy drinks producer Wrangyer at the beginning of the year,” said Mr. Thapana. “We believe Oishi fits into our strategy very well and is one of Thailand’s best-known soft drink brands.” Also on the agenda of the Board of Director meeting was the consideration to dispose of Thai Alcohol Public Company Limited for 1,590.95 million baht to Damrongfah Co., Ltd. Under the terms of an MoU, the sale is dependent on being completed by September 30, 2008 and on the acquisition of Oishi. For more information, please contact Khun Kantanit Sukontasap Office of Corporate Communications Tel: 02-127-5555 Ext. 5283, 081-732-0339