December 15/Port-Au-Prince, Haiti/Press Release -- Dutch brewing giant Heineken has revealed its plans to increase its stake from 22.5% to 95% in Haitian brewer Brasserie Nationale d’Haiti (Brana).

Brana is a major beverage company in Haiti, producing, marketing and distributing various beer and malt brands, such as Prestige, Malta H and Guinness (through license), and also various PepsiCo licensed soft drink brands.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed and consolidated in January 2012.

Heineken Americas regional president John Nicolson said the Haitian beer market has shown solid year-on-year growth, but remains relatively underdeveloped.

"Brana is uniquely positioned to benefit from this environment with its leading brands, local brewery and nationwide distribution network.

"By investing in the country, Heineken will also create further opportunities for the people of Haiti as the nation continues to rebuild after the devastating earthquake in 2010," Nicolson added.

 From the December 15, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.