Speculation that Carlsberg has been in talks with Interbrew over the sell-off of part of the Bass Brewing business has been denied by the Danish brewer. The OFT is asking for comments on four proposals it believes could resolve the adverse competition issues arising from Interbrew's purchase of Bass. Carlsberg's Margretha Skov said there had been no official talks with Interbrew and it would be submitting further comments to the OFT on the new proposals. Two of them involve the outright sale of Bass and Whitbread ­ options opposed by Interbrew. Its favoured option is the sale of the Scottish and Northern Ireland divisions of Bass Brewers together with the rights to brands such as Tennent's, Grolsch, Caffrey's, Worthington and Stone's, and the necessary brewing capacity, supply agreements and distribution assets. Interbrew would keep Carling, Bass Ale and some minor brands. The final option involves the sale of Carling and the Scottish beer supply contracts, leaving Interbrew with Bass Brewers in Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Tennent's and Bass Ale brands. {{NEWS }}

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