Heineken N.V. conducting strategic review of Hartwall in Finland

Amsterdam, 4 February 2013 - Heineken N.V. (‘HEINEKEN’) announced today that it has started a strategic review of its Hartwall business in Finland. During this review, HEINEKEN will evaluate strategic options for Hartwall to drive continued growth for the business, within or outside of HEINEKEN. The strategic review is expected to be finalised before the end of the year.

HEINEKEN acquired Hartwall as part of the Scottish & Newcastle transaction in 2008. Hartwall is a leading and innovative player in the Finnish beverage category with strong market positions in beer, carbonated soft-drinks, waters, long-drinks, ciders, wines and spirits. The company has around 850 employees.

Further information about the strategic review will follow if and when appropriate.

Editorial information:
HEINEKEN is a proud, independent global brewer committed to surprise and excite consumers with its brands and products everywhere. The brand that bears the founder’s family name - Heineken® - is available in almost every country on the globe and is the world’s most valuable international premium beer brand. HEINEKEN’s aim is to be a leading brewer in each of the markets in which it operates and to have the world’s most valuable brand portfolio. HEINEKEN wants to win in all markets with Heineken® and with a full brand portfolio in markets of choice. HEINEKEN is present in over 70 countries and operates more than 160 breweries with volume of 214 million hectolitres of group beer sold. HEINEKEN is Europe’s largest brewer and the world’s third largest by volume. HEINEKEN is committed to the responsible marketing and consumption of its more than 250 international premium, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. These include Amstel, Anchor, Bintang, Birra Moretti, Cruzcampo, Desperados, Dos Equis, Foster’s, Heineken, Biere Larue, Newcastle Brown Ale, Ochota, Primus, Sagres, Sol, Star, Strongbow, Tecate, Tiger and Zywiec. Our leading joint venture brands include Cristal and Kingfisher. On a pro-forma 2011 basis including APB, 2011 revenue totaled EUR 18.5 billion and EBIT (beia) was EUR 3.0 billion. The number of people employed is around 78,000. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares are listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on the Reuter Equities 2000 Service under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com.