Delo, which is owned by Laško, said investment funds KKR, Bain Capital, CVC Capital and Mid Europa Partners have already been invited to submit binding bids, while Dutch brewer Heineken is also expected to bid for Laško.

According to Delo, the beer maker is expected to be sold this summer. Laško had no immediate comment.

Laško put itself up for sale last year and wants the buyer to inject at least 75 million euros into the business to help cut debt.

The investor would then have to announce a full takeover, in line with Slovenia's legislation which requires any party that buys at least a third of the a company to make an offer for the remaining shares.