Heineken agrees to buy FIFCO assets in Central America push

Acquisition Overview - Heineken is acquiring the beverages and retail businesses of Costa Rica-based Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO), purchasing the remaining 75% stake in Distribuidora La Florida and over 300 retail outlets in Costa Rica, along with operations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras [1][2] - The deal includes a 75% stake in Nicaragua Brewing Holding, a 25% stake in Heineken Panama, and full ownership of FIFCO's beyond beer business in Mexico, with a total payment of $3.2 billion for these equity stakes [2] Strategic Implications - The acquisition will provide Heineken with a multi-category portfolio, including Costa Rica's national beer Imperial and a significant soft drink business with its own brands and a bottling license with PepsiCo [3] - Heineken aims to accelerate its EverGreen strategy and enter new profit pools across Central America by integrating FIFCO's brands and market expertise [4] Financial Impact - The integration of FIFCO's assets is expected to yield run-rate cost savings of approximately $50 million [5] Company Background - FIFCO operates five production plants and 13 distribution centers across Central America, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the US, exporting to over ten countries [6]