Asia Brewery Forms JV with Heineken in the Philippines
Manila—(PHStocks)—LT Group Inc. (PSE: LTG) subsidiary Asia Brewery Inc. has signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with Heineken International B.V., the world’s most international brewer with a portfolio of more than 250 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. It operates 167 breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries.
Under this agreement, a new joint venture company, AB Heineken Philippines Inc., will be formed. Heineken will be driving further premiumisation of the brand portfolio. The two breweries which Asia Brewery currently owns in Cabuyao and El Salvador will be upgraded so that they can brew Heineken brands. In the meantime, Asia Brewery will start to distribute Heineken and Tiger in the Philippines.
AB Heineken Philippines will implement Heineken’s global policies and approaches in relation to supplier code, local sourcing, water management, employee healthcare and human rights, community investment and responsible alcohol marketing.
Frans Eusman, President of Heineken Asia Pacific, said: “This joint venture with Asia Brewery Inc. in the Philippines represents a good business opportunity for Heineken. It increases our exposure to another market in the region with strong growth potential.”
Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LTG, said: “Our local knowledge and distribution network combined with the brewing and marketing expertise of Heineken will be able to deliver quality beer brands and an exceptional experience for our consumers.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and operations are expected to commence in the 4th quarter of 2016. Financial terms are not disclosed.