PepsiCo to take 76 per cent in top Russian beverage maker Lebedyansky

Mumbai: Snacks and beverage giant PepsiCo is close to acquiring 76 per cent stake in Russia's largest juice maker, OAO Lebedyansky for up to $2 billion, the Kommersant business daily said in a report.

PepsiCo is in final negotiations over the purchase, the largest ever in the global juice industry, Kommersant reported citing industry and investment bank sources.

"They have virtually agreed. The deal should be announced in September or October," the paper quoted a source as saying.

Kommersant cited unidentified banking sources and a manager in Lebedyansky as saying that the US-based beverage and snack maker was in discussions to buy more than 76 per cent in the company from its founders for more than $1.5 billion.

The deal for Lebedyansky, whose brands include Ya and Tonus, could be tied up in September or October, the paper said