MOSCOW, March 28. /TASS/. Belgian multinational drink and brewing company AB InBev has asked Anadolu Efes to suspend the license to produce and sell the BUD brand in Russia, the company said in a statement.

The company noted that in Russia and Ukraine it operates in the format of a combined business, which was formed as a result of a merger with the Turkish brewing company Anadolu Efes. However, AB InBev does not hold a controlling stake in this business and do not consolidate it in its reporting.

AB InBev turned to Anadolu Efes with a request to suspend the license to produce and sell the BUD brand in Russia, according to the statement. The company also decided to forgo all financial benefits from the combined business in the Russian Federation.

AB InBev stressed that the company will continue to fulfill all social obligations to its employees in Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution of the current situation.

AB InBev Efes, which is a joint venture in Russia of AB InBev and Anadolu Efes with a controlling stake in the latter, confirmed that the company continues to operate in Russia as usual.

Earlier, the Danish brewing company Carlsberg announced its withdrawal from Russia. The Netherlands-based Heineken announced plans to transfer the business in Russia to a new owner.