INVESTMENT RAIDERS READY TO DIVVY UP LABATT'S HOLDINGS

     The "behind-the-scenes jockeying" over John Labatt Ltd.
intensified Monday as a major Canadian broadcaster, CanWest
Global Communications Corp., confirmed it has been approached by
investment bankers about acquiring some Labatt assets if the
company is sold.  Meanwhile, sources disclosed that South
American brewer Quilmes Industrial, SA is still considering
teaming up with leveraged buyout firm Onex Corp. for a multi-
billion dollar run at Labatt.  CanWest has already started
preliminary talks with Labatt about its intention to spin off
some of its broadcast and sports assets (Marina Strauss, Toronto
GLOBE & MAIL, 4/18).  Labatt's assets include the Blue Jays,
SkyDome and TSN.  Speculation is that if Onex is successful in
acquiring Labatt, it will sell off all of its assets with the
exception of the brewery (FINANCIAL POST, 4/15).