Fraser and Neave's joint venture partner in Myanmar Brewery Limited (MBL) has expressed an intention to stake a claim on F&N's shares in MBL. The partner, Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) is run by the ruling military has begun a move to force the sale of F&N's ownership stake of 55% in MBL. While the price has yet to be determined, it may come as no surprise if the stake is sold at an unfair price.

While F&N has engaged lawyers to resist the claim and assess the financial impact of the dispute, I am very pessimistic on the effectiveness of lawyers in such a David and Goliath scenario.

It is very sad that such an ugly event has appeared at this juncture. It is a good warning to all who are still blinded by potential prosperity and riches that Myanmar is still a long way off from building an ......