Dutch brewer Heineken said on January 9 it was in talks with Quinsa, the owner beer maker Quilmes of Argentina, after that country's regulator raised the possibility of Quilmes losing its licence to brew Heineken, Reuters reported on January 14.

Argentine antitrust authorities on Monday approved a $600 million merger deal between Brazil's AmBev and Quilmes-owner Quinsa, but demanded that Quinsa transfer its licence to brew Heineken in Argentina, among other conditions.

Quinsa won the licence through the venture Quilmes International Bermuda, which groups Quilmes's operating activities, and in which Quinsa holds 85 percent and Heineken 15 percent.

A Switzerland-based international arbitration court is reviewing Heineken's objections to the deal and is expected to reach a decision this month.

The May-2002 agreement between Ambev and Quinsa would create a regional powerhouse with Ambev gaining a 37 stake in Quinsa and assets in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

15 January, 2003