Dutch brewer Heineken International has recently purchased an additional 1.35 per cent stake or 3.56 million shares in United Breweries Limited (UBL), becoming the largest stake holder in Vijay Mallya-led firm.

Heineken acquired the additional stake in UBL from Citicorp Finance India at Rs 772.90 a share on Tuesday this week. Following the purchase of the additional stake, the Dutch firm owns 38.76 per cent stake in the Indian brewer, as against its previous stake of 37.41 per cent.

The Dutch brewer owns much of its 38.76 per cent UBL stake through its Indian subsidiary Scottish & Newcastle India. Heineken International and Heineken UK own small stakes.

Edelweiss Capital's Abneesh Roy believes that the stake purchase by the Dutch brewer will benefit the firm in reinforcing its position in the Indian market.

Commenting on the most recent stake purchase, Roy said, "With financial control in its hand, Heineken has been driving UB's business of late. It has been introducing new brands in India. So, this additional UB stake seems like a natural progression."

In 2009, UBL had signed a shareholder deal with Heineken for producing and distributing Heineken beer in the Indian market.

In the after-hours trading, UBL shares gained 0.67 per cent to close at Rs 776.25 a piece, while shares of UB Holdings lost 2.5 per cent to close at Rs 25.70 apiece on Bombay Stock Exchange.