"Heineken confirms it is interested in acquiring Pivovarna Laško," the company said in a written statement, adding that it has "a long tradition of acquiring strong local brands and further developing them."

The company said the Laško and Union brands were "an excellent opportunity", while the brewer's facilities allowed it to bring "its other beer brands into operation".

The statement comes amidst media reports that Heineken is the only big brewery bidding for the stake in Laško, with other giants such as Carslberg already dropping out.

Unofficial information suggests 21 potential bidders picked up the information memorandum. Radio Slovenija reported at least four, Heineken included, would submit binding bids.

The deadline for binding offers for what would be an acquisition coupled with a capital hike has not been revealed but recent reports indicate it expires next Thursday.

Laško chief supervisor Goran Brankovič told the STA that the recapitalisation procedure was ongoing. "Our principal guide will be to maximise shareholder value," he said.

A group of mostly state-owned shareholders are selling a combined 44.68% stake in Laško, but additional shareholders could join in, taking the stake to over 50%.

Laško has been streamlining in recent years and it sold off its juice subsidiary Fructal and mineral water producer Radenska.

The group now includes Laško and Union breweries, soft drinks maker Vital Mestinje, and newspaper publisher Delo.