Pellerano & Herrera counsels AmBev in becoming the leading brewer in the Caribbean
Published on:Pellerano & Herrera is advising Companhia de Bebidas das Américas (AmBev), the largest brewer in Brazil and in South America, in the acquisition of Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana (CND), the best rated brewery company in the Dominican Republic owned by E. Leon Jimenes (ELJ), in order to create the leading beverage company in the Caribbean through the combination of their businesses in the region. Comprised of two separate transactions, the deal involved significant and sophisticated legal strategies resulting in AmBev acquiring 41.76% of CND’s shares from ELJ, while by a separate acquisition the company acquired a 9.3% stake held by Heineken, giving the world’s largest brewer a total of 51% in CND.
The value of the deal is US$1 billion, representing the biggest and most significant M&A deal in the history of the Dominican Republic and it will bring together AmBev’s management capabilities with CND’s well established operational strength and footprint in the region. Equally important, it represents a unique opportunity to bring more innovation and international brands to the region.
AmBev and ELJ also anticipate capturing efficiencies as a result of the integration of both businesses, sharing of best practices and focusing on responsible and sustainable growth. AmBev turned to Pellerano & Herrera as their local counsel in the Dominican Republic, the team was led by partners Luis R. Pellerano, Marielle Garrigó and Mariangela Pellerano and senior counsel Alessandra Di Carlo. Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP served as their US counsel and Deutsche Bank and Lazard as financial advisors.
