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Heineken to buy FIFCO businesses for $3.2 billion in Central America push

Group 1 - Heineken will acquire the beverage and retail businesses of Costa Rica's Florida Ice and Farm Company for $3.2 billion in cash, enhancing its presence in Central America [1][2] - The acquisition includes ownership of Costa Rica's Imperial beer brand, a soft drink business, and a PepsiCo bottling license [1][3] - The deal will allow Heineken to access new growth opportunities and profit pools in Central America, as sales volumes in Europe and the U.S. are slowing [2][4] Group 2 - Heineken will purchase the remaining 75% of Distribuidora La Florida, which includes over 300 outlets in Costa Rica and operations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras [3][4] - The transaction also encompasses 75% of Nicaragua Brewing Holding and the remaining 25% of Heineken Panama, along with full ownership of FIFCO's non-beer business in Mexico [3][4] - The deal is expected to complete in the first half of 2026 and will provide an immediate boost to Heineken's operating margin and earnings per share before exceptional items [4] Group 3 - Following the acquisition, Heineken expects its net debt to rise by €3.2 billion ($3.77 billion), with net debt at approximately €15.5 billion at the end of June [5] - FIFCO operates five production plants and 13 distribution centers across Central America, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the U.S., exporting to over 10 countries [5]