LUXEMBOURG, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quilmes Industrial Societe Anonyme ("Quinsa") announced today that it received notice that the board of directors of Companhia de Bebidas das Americas - AmBev ("AmBev") has approved a plan to make a voluntary tender offer to purchase any and all Class A shares and Class B shares (including Class B shares held as American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") of Quinsa that are not owned by AmBev or its subsidiaries (the "Offer"). AmBev indicated that it will offer US$4.0625 per Class A share, US$40.625 per Class B share (US$81.25 per ADS) upon the terms and subject to the conditions to be included in an offer to purchase. In the event that at least 5,968,722 Class B shares (including Class B shares held as ADSs) are tendered (and not validly withdrawn), the purchase price will be increased to US$ 4.125 per Class A share, US$41.25 per Class B share (US$82.50 per ADS).
Quinsa announced that its board of directors would consider the terms of the Offer promptly after AmBev delivers its offer to purchase to Quinsa and that, no later than 10 business days thereafter, Quinsa will advise its shareholders with respect to the Offer.
ABOUT QUINSA
Quinsa is a Luxembourg-based holding company that controls approximately 93% of Quilmes International (Bermuda) ("QIB"). The remaining stake is held by AmBev.
Quinsa, through QIB, controls beverage and malting businesses in five Latin American countries. Its beer brands are strong market leaders in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay, and have a presence in Chile. Further, pursuant to the Quinsa's strategic alliance with AmBev, it has entered into license and distribution agreements to produce and sell in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay the AmBev brands. Similarly, under the agreements, AmBev may produce and distribute Quinsa's brands in Brazil.
Quinsa also has bottling and franchise agreements with PepsiCo, and thus accounts for 100% of PepsiCo beverage sales in both Argentina and Uruguay.
Quinsa's Class A and Class B shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (Reuters codes: QUIN.LU and QUINp.LU). Quinsa's American Depositary Shares, representing the Company's B shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange .
Quinsa's web address: http://www.quinsa.com/ CONTACT: Guillermo Zuzenberg Quilmes Industrial S.A. (Quinsa) +5411-4349-1700 ext. 1907
