Heineken is in conflict with Beverage Associates (BAC) Corp and Quilmes Industrial (Quinsa) S.A- its subsidiary and has already sued them at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris.

The cause that has generated this dispute was the conclusion of a transaction by Quinsa and BAC with the Brazilian brewery Ambev, which grants Ambev the right to purchase the BAC’s stake in Quinsa and to introduce its operations and brands in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia.

The Heineken’s discontentment results from the fact that it controls a 15% stake and has exclusive rights in Quilmes International Bermuda (QIB),a joint venture appertaining to Heineken and Quinsa, inclusively the first right to refuse the acquisition of QIB.Besides this, it offers to QIB technical assistance and licenses it to produce and distribute Heineken beer predominantly in Argentina.

Heineken states that in the situation when the transaction with Ambev comes into effect, its rights and interests are seriously injured . Furthermore, according to its declaration the brands and operations of Ambev compete strongly with those of QIB.

By the pursuit at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris the Dutch brewer aspires that the Chamber will legally proclaim that its rights were violated and will forbid the finalization of this unfortunate transaction for its interests.

12 June, 2002