Brazil: Heineken, Coca-Cola to begin Brazil arbitration in February - report

Heineken NV and Brazilian distributors for Coca-Cola Co will begin arbitration in February regarding a distribution contract that the Dutch brewer decided to end this year, according to a November 17th’s report by newspaper Valor Economico.

Heineken broke off the contract after acquiring the Brazilian operations of Japan’s Kirin Holdings Co Ltd for 1.025 billion euros ($1.21 billion), bolstering its own distribution network in the country.

According to another report by newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo, Heineken suggested the Coke distributors keep their contract for two beer brands, Bavaria and Kaiser, until 2022, but an association of distributors rejected the proposal.

A press representative for Heineken did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A representative for the Coke distributors declined to comment immediately on the matter, citing the confidentiality of the ongoing dispute.

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