France: InBev France launches a program of reorganizations

InBev France, a subsidiary of the InBev group that specialises in the sale of beers and the distribution of beverages via its integrated distribution network CafeIn, convened on December 14 an extraordinary Works Council in Armentieres and in the various subsidiaries of the distribution network to launch a program of reorganizations that will have repercussions for distribution, sales and administration.

Within the framework of this programme, 303 jobs are due to be cut and 184 redeployments will be identified throughout InBev France SAS and the 24 CafeIn subsidiaries set up across the country.

In the course of this first meeting, the economic reasons that have triggered this reorganization were explained to the social partners, who were also informed of the provisional 2006 consultation calendar.

Once this reorganization program is completed, a definitive decision will be taken. At the same time, the final consequences of this reorganization as well as the financial impact will be communicated.

InBev is a publicly traded company (Euronext: INB) based in Leuven, Belgium. The company's origins date back to 1366, and today it is the leading global brewer by volume. InBev's strategy is to strengthen its local platforms by building significant positions in the world's major beer markets through organic growth, world-class efficiency, targeted acquisitions, and by putting consumers first. InBev has a portfolio of more than 200 brands, including Stella Artois®, Brahma®, Beck's®, Skol® - the third-largest selling beer brand in the world - Leffe®, Hoegaarden®, Staropramen® and Bass®. InBev employs some 77,000 people, running operations in over 30 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. In 2004, InBev realized revenue of 8.57 billion euro (including four months of AmBev). For further information visit www.inbev.com.

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