Copenhagen - Danish brewer Carlsberg said on Thursday it was closing two of its 10 breweries in Russia, citing lower demand due to the country's weakened economy.
Production was halted at the two plants in the cities of Chelyabinsk and Krasnoyarsk in September.
"This is due to the Russian economy, demand is falling," spokesperson Jens Bekke told news agency Ritzau.
The closure would result in a 15% reduction in the brewer's capacity in Russia, affecting about 500 to 600 employees.
Carlsberg said it would keep sales and distribution organisations in the two cities.
The brewer said it would take a write-down of 700 million kroner ($106m).