15 March 2024

The Dutch beer giant Heineken announced on Wednesday April 26 that it had finalized the acquisition, announced in 2021 for 2.2 billion euros, of the South African Distell, which produces some of the emblematic drinks of the southern African country.

Heineken, the second largest brewer in the world behind the Belgian-Brazilian Anheuser-Busch InBev, has also acquired Namibia Breweries. “Heineken successfully completes the acquisition of Distell and Namibia Breweries to create Heineken Beverages”, the Dutch brewer said in a statement, without specifying the amount of the transactions. The two combined operations were to weigh around 4 billion euros, Heineken had indicated in 2021.

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Distell notably produces Amarula, Savanna cider and Nederburg wine. “We are delighted to welcome over 5,400 talented employees from Distell and Namibia Breweries to Heineken and look forward to adding over €1 billion in net sales and operating profit. of 150 million euros to our African presence”welcomed the CEO of the Dutch group, Dolf van den Brink, quoted in the press release.

” Ambitious “

“By combining the strengths of the three entities, we can leverage our expertise and resources to foster growth, create jobs and contribute to the overall economic development of the region”he added.

Following an agreement with the competition authorities in South Africa, Heineken Beverages is planning a “important package of public interest” which includes in particular an investment plan ” ambitious “ of more than 500 million euros over five years.

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The brewer wants to invest more than 250 million euros in the construction of a new brewery and malting plant and create an innovation and research and development center for the region. Heineken also intends to implement a program of “tavern transformation” which will help a thousand tavern owners become certified and sustainable local businesses over a period of five years.

The World with AFP

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