Heineken’s acquisition of Eichhof received the watchdogs’ ok

Following an in-depth analysis, the Swiss Competition Commission has approved the acquisition of Eichhof Getränke Holding AG by Heineken Switzerland Ltd. This means that Heineken can complete its successful tender offer and start the integration of Eichhof Getränke Holding AG into Heineken.

The Competition Commission believes that the Swiss beer market is still open to other entrants although two companies control more than 60 percent of beer sales. Following its takeover of Eichhof, Heineken enjoys a market share of 23 percent, up from 13 percent, compared with Carlsberg’s 40 percent.

Now that the Competition Commission has made its decision, Heineken and Eichhof Getränke Holding can start working on the details of the legal and operational integration of the two companies. Eichhof Getränke Holding is expected to be integrated legally as per the end of 2008.

Heineken Switzerland is currently reviewing its options with regard to the

shares in Eichhof Getränke Holding AG that have not been tendered yet, which may include a cash squeeze-out merger.

Heineken has been present in Switzerland since 1984 and at the end of 1993 took over the breweries Haldengut in Winterthur and Calanda in Chur. In addition to its international premium brand, Heineken produces and markets a large number of regional and local brands and specialities in Switzerland, including the traditional Haldengut and Calanda brands and the specialty beers Original Ittinger Klosterbräu, Desperados and Erdinger.