MOSCOW, Aug 25 Heineken brewing concern has sold all of its Russian assets to the Arnest group of companies for a symbolic price, according to the brewing company's website. exit process for HEINEKEN from Russia, which began in March 2022, resulting in an expected total cumulative loss of EUR 300 million.
According to the press service of the Dutch company, the purchase price was one euro for the entire block of shares. All remaining assets, including seven breweries, will also pass to the new owners.
According to the agreement, Arnest will have to pay the internal debt of the purchased business to the parent company. Its size is approximately one hundred million euros. Also, it will give a three-year guarantee to 1,800 HEINEKEN employees in Russia and will cease production of Amstel beer in six months.
The Arnest group of companies, registered in Nevinnomyssk, Stavropol Territory, is a major manufacturer of cosmetics and household goods. It also includes production facilities producing aluminum and tin packaging for perfumes and cosmetics, as well as aluminum cans for drinks.
The group of companies produces more than 53% of all aerosol products in the country, 2.4% in the world and 6 .6% — Europe. Arnest cooperates with Henkel, Unilever, Beiersdorf, L'Oreal, Colgate-Palmolive, Coty, Oriflame and others.
The largest international brewing company Heineken has been operating on the Russian market since February 2002, when the first plant in St. Petersburg was acquired. The company's portfolio includes about 30 brands, including Heineken, Amstel Premium Pilsener, Zlaty Bazant, Guinness, as well as national and regional brands such as Okhota, Three Bears, Stepan Razin.