The STA has learnt that some of the bidders might request that the deadline be extended by a day or two. The bids are to be discussed by Pivovarna Laško supervisors next week.

According to media reports, the potential bidders include investment firms Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Bain Capital, Mid Europa Partners in CVC Capital Partners.

The information memorandum has been picked up by 21 potential bidders, half of them strategic investors, according to unofficial sources.

Unofficially at least four bids are expected today for the stake sold by the bad bank, investment firms Kapitalska družba, Alpen invest, KD Skladi, and banks Abanka Vipa, Banka Koper and NKBM, as well as insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav and the Entrepreneurs' Fund.

The new owner will have to recapitalise the brewery with at least EUR 75m, according to unofficial sources.