E-Malt.com News article: Luxembourg: Quilmes Industrial announces filing of amended schedule 13E-3 disclosure in AmBev tender offer

Quilmes Industrial Societe Anonyme ("Quinsa") announced that it has filed amendments to its Schedule 13E-3 and Schedule 14D-9, each relating to the tender offer by Companhia de Bebidas das Americas - AmBev ("AmBev") for outstanding Quinsa shares not owned by AmBev or its subsidiaries, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to supplement the disclosure in each schedule, PRNewswire-FirstCall reported march 19.

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 Company'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.

The Company 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. Quinsa's American Depositary Shares, representing the Company's B shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

About Ambev

AmBev is the largest brewer in Brazil and in South America through its beer brands Skol, Brahma and Antarctica. AmBev also produces and distributes soft drink brands such as Guarana Antarctica, and has franchise agreements for Pepsi soft drinks, Gatorade and Lipton Ice Tea. AmBev has been present in Argentina since 1993 through Brahma.


21 March, 2008