South African Competition Tribunal Approves HEINEKEN Acquiring Control Of Distell And Namibia Breweries
South African Competition Tribunal Approves HEINEKEN Acquiring Control Of Distell And Namibia Breweries. HEINEKEN N.V. has announced that the South African Competition Tribunal has approved its offer to acquire control of Distell Group Holdings Limited (‘Distell’). The decision marks the final regulatory approval, following those received from the Namibia Competition Commission, the Common Market of Eastern & Southern Africa and all other relevant jurisdictions. It paves the way for the creation of a regional African beverage champion.
In November 2021, HEINEKEN announced its intention to acquire control of Distell and Namibia Breweries Limited (‘NBL’), which were to be combined with HEINEKEN South Africa (‘HSA’) into a new HEINEKEN majority-owned business (Newco).
HEINEKEN’s CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board Dolf van den Brink said: “We are delighted the Competition Tribunal has approved the deal. We are very excited to bring together three strong businesses to create a regional beverage champion, with a unique multi-category offer to better serve consumers, customers and create shared societal value across Southern Africa. We are committed to being a strong partner for growth and making a positive impact in the communities in which we operate, and the proactive and comprehensive public interest package we’ve put forward is testament to that.”
The approval gives the green light to an ambitious package of public interest commitments, including ongoing business investment, broad-based black economic empowerment, job creation, localisation and supplier development, talent development and contribution to the economic development of the region.
