Heineken poised for Tiger takeover

By Bizclik Editor

In a reversal to a standoff that has lasted months, the shareholder, Thai Beverage, said it would now support Heineken’s offer. The company had been increasing its stake in Fraser & Neave, the Singaporean conglomerate that has a 40 percent holding in Asia Pacific Breweries, raising speculation that the company would scuttle Heineken’s plans.

Shareholders in Fraser & Neave, which received a $7.3 billion takeover offer last week from Thai Beverage’s billionaire owner, Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, will vote on Heineken’s bid for Asia Pacific Breweries on Sept. 28.

The corporate maneuvering is expected to give Heineken control of the Asian Brewer, whose brands include Tiger beer, while Mr. Charoen is likely to take control of Fraser & Neave, which also owns a large global property portfolio and soft drink business.

After months of uncertainty, investors reacted positively to the news. In morning trading in Amsterdam, shares of Heineken rose 6.3 percent. By the end of trading in Asia, stock in Thai Beverage had jumped 13 percent.

By securing control over Asia Pacfic Breweries, which the Dutch brewer operates through a joint venture with Fraser & Neave, Heineken will increase its market share in a number of fast-growing emerging markets.

Global beer makers, including Anheuser-Busch InBev, have shifted their focus to developing economies as growth in mature markets continues to suffer because of the current economic crisis.

In the face of opposition from Thai Beverage, Heineken already had increased its offer to buy the 40 percent stake in Asia Pacific Breweries that it did not already own.

The board of Fraser & Neave had backed the bid, and the additional support of Mr. Charoen, who already has a 30 percent holding in the Singaporean company, is expected to secure the multibillion-dollar deal for Heineken.

Source: NY Times

Share

Featured Articles

The world’s biggest chipmaker bets big on renewable energy

Despite the struggle faced by chipmakers to reduce emissions, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing is accelerating renewable energy adoption by 10 years

Uniqlo shakes up leadership amid global retail ambitions

Fast Retailing, the group behind Japan’s Uniqlo, overtakes Gap with soaring profits and is now eyeing accelerated global expansion with executive shakeup

What is the ESG strategy of Chinese automaker Geely Holding?

Chinese automotive giant Geely Holding released its 2022 sustainability report, so what is the car maker’s ESG strategy?

Top 10 best-performing CEOs in Singapore

Leadership & Strategy

Top 10 women behind India’s most successful tech startups

Leadership & Strategy

Top 10 best private members clubs in Singapore and Hong Kong

Leadership & Strategy