Chamwe Kaira
Namibia Breweries will remain a Namibian business despite the recent takeover by Heineken N.V.
Peter Simons, managing director, Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), has said the company is proud to have completed the deal with Heineken, which he said is a vote of confidence in the long-term prospects of Namibia and its people.
“Heineken followed all competition and regulatory processes in Namibia and put forward an ambitious package of commitments which will ensure NBL remains a proudly Namibian business. The company will still be called NBL, will continue to be headquartered in Windhoek, and will remain listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange,” Simons said responding to questions by Observer Money.
He added that by combining the strengths of NBL, Distell and Heineken this deal will encourage investment, develop local talent, create jobs, and ensure NBL remains a trusted partner for economic growth in Namibia long-term.
“We are excited to bring the best of global expertise combined with local insights to better serve consumers in Namibia and create shared value across the country.”
Heineken announced in April that it has announced the completion of its acquisition of Distell Group Holdings Limited and Namibia Breweries Limited, which have been combined with Heineken South Africa into a new Heineken majority-owned business to capture significant growth opportunities in Southern Africa.
The combined businesses will be known as ‘Heineken Beverages. The rebranding reflects the new company’s multi-category portfolio and commitment to deliver high-quality beverages to consumers across the continent.
Heineken’s CEO and chairman of the Executive Board Dolf van den Brink said welcomed the 5400 talented employees of Distell and Namibia Breweries into Heineken and look forward to adding more than €1 billion in net revenue and €150 million operating profit to its African footprint. By combining the strengths of all three entities, Heineken said it can leverage its expertise and resources to foster growth, create jobs, and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.
Established on 29 October 1920, NBL is one of the leading beverage manufacturing companies in Namibia and indeed in Southern Africa. Based in Windhoek, and employing more than 800 people, NBL leads the domestic beer market in Namibia and has significant share of the premium beer category in Southern Africa. Its portfolio includes a range of soft beverages, as well as low and non-alcoholic products. NBL’s products are exported to 19 countries outside of Namibia and South Africa.
