E-Malt.com News article: 594

Interbrew noted the Reuters statement issued last Friday, stating: "A group representing descendants of the founding families of Interbrew have sold some shares in the Belgian Brewer, according to a statement from Euronext Brussels".

As part of the preparation of the Annual Report 2002, Interbrew received from the Stichting Interbrew, a foundation under the laws of the Netherlands and Interbrew's controlling shareholder, an update on the number of shares it currently holds in the company, Interbrew reported.

As explained in the prospectus (page 85), which Interbrew issued in November 2000 in support of its initial public offering (IPO), Stichting Interbrew was organised prior to the IPO at the initiative of the families of the founders of the company.

The principal members of these families (acting directly or through related entities) transferred at that time most of their shares to the foundation, in exchange for certificates entitling their holders to claim from the foundation the payment of any dividends and other amounts by Interbrew to the holders of shares.

As a result of the certification, the holders of certificates have transferred to the foundation the voting rights attached to the shares, which the foundation, upon a decision of its board of directors, exercises at its sole discretion during shareholders meetings.

As also explained in the prospectus, and contrary to what the Reuters report indicates, the foundation is under its certification conditions ("administratievoorwaarden") not entitled to sell any of the certified shares it holds.

Further, the holders of certificates in principle are not entitled to require from Stichting Interbrew the exchange of their certificates for shares in Interbrew before 30 June 2004.


04 February, 2003