Nguyen Duc Chi, chairman of SCIC, noted that the corporation will remain the major shareholder of Vinamilk, retaining 39 per cent of the shares after the auction. He also added that holding about one third will maintain the government's control over the company. Thailand-based beverage firm ThaiBev recently purchased 247 million shares at Vinamilk through its subsidiary Fraser and Neave Limited with the purpose of penetrating the food and beverage industry. Sabeco and Habeco divestment held up Meanwhile, the divestment plan for the two large beer producers Saigon Alcohol Beer and Beverages Corporation (Sabeco) and Hanoi Beer Alcohol and Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (Habeco) was merely drafted as requested by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT). The PM marked the deadline for MoIT to submit the divestment plan of the two beer makers by October 20, according to newswire Reuters.