Budvar's Beer Exports To US Rise 7 Percent

Budvar fought for years with brewer Anheuser-Busch in a number of countries over use of the famous Budweiser brand, to which both companies claim a historical right. Anheuser-Busch was taken over by Belgian brewer InBev last year to form Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest beer company. Budvar said the deal did not affect the legal battle.

Budvar boosted its annual production by 4.5 percent to 1.312 million hectoliters (34.7 million gallons) despite global economic problems last year but exports were down 1 percent at 581,522 hectoliters (15.4 million gallons). Budvar exported its beer to 54 countries in 2008.

The Czech government began a process that could lead to Budvar's eventual sale. It's not clear when that could happen.