E-Malt.com News article: 4291

Belgium: InBev announced on February 23 its intention to outsource its Information Technology infrastructure. The company said that having thoroughly reviewed different business cases for both internal and external sourcing models, it has been determined that external sourcing offers the best combination of cost efficiencies, technical performance, opportunities for employees, and flexibility for future growth. InBev therefore confirms its intention to outsource its IT infrastructure on a global basis.

270 InBev employees, working in 25 countries around the world, fall within the scope of this proposed outsourcing. In accordance with the applicable legislation in the countries concerned, the required consultations with social partners will be conducted, InBev said.

InBev is currently engaged in negotiations with selected suppliers regarding the transfer of services. During these negotiations, InBev is attempting to ensure that as many employees as possible have the opportunity to continue their careers in the suppliers’ organizations. Once these negotiations and related consultations are completed, InBev will provide more detailed information concerning the potential impact on our employees. Any impact would, of course, be subject to local legal requirements.

Following both required consultations and partner negotiations, the InBev management will take its final decision and disclose, at that time, the expected financial impacts.

InBev is a publicly traded company (Euronext: INB) based in Leuven, Belgium. The company's origins date back to 1366, and today it is the leading global brewer by volume. InBev’s strategy is to strengthen its local platforms by building significant positions in the world's major beer markets through organic growth, world-class efficiency, targeted acquisitions, and by putting consumers first. InBev has a portfolio of more than 200 brands, including Stella Artois®, Brahma®, Beck’s®, Leffe®, Hoegaarden®, Staropramen® and Bass®. InBev employs some 77,000 people, running operations in over 30 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. In 2003, InBev realized a net turnover of approximately 9.3 billion euro (2003 pro forma).


26 February, 2005