Heineken N.V. Realigns Ownership Interests in Jamaica, Malaysia, Singapore and Ghana

07 Oct 2015 --- Amsterdam – Heineken N.V. today announced that Heineken and Diageo plc (“Diageo”) have completed a transaction to bring increased focus to their respective beer businesses and certain licensing arrangements in Jamaica, Malaysia and Singapore and Ghana.

The transaction comprises: 

Heineken has taken control of Desnoes & Geddes (“D&G”) by acquiring Diageo’s 57.9% shareholding in this company.

Heineken now has full ownership of GAPL Pte Ltd (“GAPL”), having acquired Diageo’s shareholding, which was slightly lower than 50%. GAPL owns 51% of the issued share capital of Guinness Anchor Berhad (“GAB”), which is listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange. GAPL is also the licensee for Guinness and ABC Stout distribution for the Singapore market.

Heineken has sold its 20% ownership stake in Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (“GGBL”) to Diageo.

Heineken and Diageo have entered into licensing agreements for each other’s brands currently in the respective portfolios in Jamaica and Ghana.

This transaction is mutually beneficial and will allow both parties to concentrate their resources in the individual markets, whilst at the same time providing a framework for ongoing, long-term cooperation. 

The transaction will bring clear benefits to Heineken. As majority owner, Heineken will be able to drive the investment and strategic direction of the operating companies in Jamaica and Malaysia. The Caribbean and Southeast Asia are strategically important for Heineken.

Jamaica: Acquisition of Diageo’s 57.9% stake in D&G

D&G is listed on the Jamaican Stock Exchange and is engaged in brewing, bottling and distribution of beers, stouts and spirits in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. Prior to the transaction, Diageo owned 57.9% of the issued share capital of D&G, and Heineken owned 15.5%. Following today’s acquisition of Diageo’s share of the business Heineken has increased its stake in D&G to 73.3%.

D&G owns the "Red Stripe" and “Dragon” brands. The license to use Red Stripe and Dragon in connection with the manufacture, production, selling, distribution and/or marketing in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, was previously held by Diageo. Affiliates of Heineken will become the new license holder for Red Stripe and Dragon in these countries from 1 January 2016.

In accordance with the Jamaican Takeover Code, as a result of the acquisition of Diageo’s shareholding in D&G, Heineken will in due course make a mandatory offer for all shares of D&G not already owned by Heineken. This represents 26.7% of the issued share capital of D&G, and implies a maximum total consideration of c. US$ 194 million. Further announcements regarding the mandatory offer will follow in due course.

Malaysia and Singapore: Acquisition of Diageo’s stake in GAPL

GAPL, a privately held company which is majority owned by Heineken, owns 51% of the issued share capital of GAB. GAB is listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange and produces and sells a portfolio of beers and non-alcoholic malt beverages, including Tiger, Anchor, Guinness and Malta. GAPL is also the licensee for Guinness and ABC Stout distribution for the Singapore market. Heineken acquires Diageo’s stake in GAPL and as a result of today’s transaction Heineken owns 100% of the shares of GAPL.

Ghana: Disposal to Diageo of Heineken’s 20% stake in GGBL

GGBL is listed on the Ghanaian Stock Exchange and is engaged in manufacturing and distribution of spirits, stouts, lagers and non-alcoholic malt beverages. Prior to the Transaction, Diageo owned 52.4% of the issued share capital of GGBL, and Heineken owned 20.0%. Heineken has today sold all of its shares in GGBL to Diageo. Diageo will remain the exclusive producer and distributor of Heineken’s current portfolio in Ghana.

Consideration

The total net cash consideration payable by Heineken to Diageo for the Transaction is US$ 780.5 million (c. EUR 696 million).

Commenting on the transaction, Jean-François van Boxmeer, Heineken CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, said: “Today’s transaction represents another important step towards ensuring that our portfolio of assets and participations is optimally structured to support our strategic agenda. Having greater commercial control in the important regions of South-East Asia and the Caribbean will allow us to maximise the strong potential of our brands in these growth markets. Our close collaboration with Diageo has been very productive over the years and I would like to thank them for their valued partnership.”