The Czech government has decided to keep the Budejovicky Budvar brewery in state hands to protect its trademark.
The country's third largest brewer is involved in around 80 lawsuits and patent cases worldwide with American brewing company Anheuser-Busch over the trademarks Budweiser and Bud.
Budvar has won court cases in countries such as Germany, New Zealand and Greece, while Anheuser-Busch has won in Spain, Italy and Russia.
Czech government spokesman Mr Libor Roucek said the decision not to privatise Budvar was made to protect its trademark.
Mr Roucek said it was possible that a new owner could sell the Czech brewer's rights to Anheuser-Busch.
The government said it also wants to protect Budvar's centuries-old brewing tradition.
The brewery is expected to report that full-year pre-tax profits for 2001 increased by three per cent to around £9 million sterling.
Budvar brewmaster Mr Josef Tolar said the brewery is happy to stay in state hands as the company has proved it can thrive under state ownership.
PA