Heineken N.V. has announced the acquisition of 49.99% of the shares in the Tunisian company, Société de Production et de Distribution des Boissons S.A.(SPDB). Heineken said "it is very proud to have Mr. Boujbel, owner of major hotel operations, as its Tunisian partner." Mr. Boujbel holds the majority of the remaining shares and will add his long-standing experience to the venture.
The joint venture company will invest in the construction of a new brewery and will brew and distribute Heineken® and local brands in Tunisia.
Total initial investment is €27 million, financed through both debt and equity. Heineken’s share of the equity stake corresponds to approximately €6 million.
The new brewery will be built in Grombalia, 30 km from Tunis and will start with brewing Heineken® and a local mainstream brand. The initial production capacity of the brewery will be 200,000 hectoliters and it is expected to be operational early 2008.
Tom de Man, Regional President Africa and the Middle East of Heineken N.V., commented: “The Tunisian beer market offers a good opportunity to further build our positive organic volume growth in the region. Tourism is expected to be a primary driver of sustainable economic growth and creates an opportunity to develop the profitable premium beer segment, in which the Heineken brand will play a leading role. Our partnership with Mr. Boujbel with his excellent local knowledge and reputation, will make a significant contribution to the success of the venture.”
The Tunisian beer market is growing and is currently estimated at 1 million hectoliters. Per capita consumption is 10 litres, the second highest in the region, after Turkey. Because of import restrictions, Heineken® is currently only available through duty free shops.
Assia has forgotten that Tunisia is so successful because of its tolerance of differing views and habits. Nobody is forced to buy, sell or drink alcohol if they do not wish to. Only four Arab countries ban alcohol outright but it is drunk illegally in all of them, and in considerable quantities. Isn't it better to make it legal, but under control, rather than put up with all the problems of illegal imports and illicit drinking, not to mention the associated hypocracy?
I say congratulations to a tolerant and open minded Muslim country!!!
Well, there is no problem of investing in beer in Tunisia, but just to tell Samir, that he should not be broud of such an investiment in Tunisia, as it is not the best way of improving the country, Alcohol is one of the main reasons for société destruction. I think beside investing in Tunisia, the Tunisians should think and acte of putting down the DICTATOR Ben Ali. and they have to inviste in Freedom and to free them selfs from such a dirty dictator. ( Arab world Dictators should be taken off Power. Thanks
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Heineken N.V. has announced the acquisition of 49.99% of the shares in the Tunisian company, Société de Production et de Distribution des Boissons S.A.(SPDB). Heineken said "it is very proud to have Mr. Boujbel, owner of major hotel operations, as its Tunisian partner." Mr. Boujbel holds the majority of the remaining shares and will add his long-standing experience to the venture. 
