Companhia de Bebidas das Americas-AmBev : Ambev announces the closing of the strategic alliance in the Caribbean

São Paulo, May 11, 2012 - Companhia de Bebidas das Américas - Ambev ("Ambev") [BOVESPA: AMBV4, AMBV3; and NYSE: ABV, ABVc] announced today the closing of the transaction with E. León Jimenes S.A. ("ELJ") to form a strategic alliance to create the leading beverage company in the Caribbean. As a result, Ambev Brasil Bebidas S.A. ("Ambev Brasil"), a closely-held subsidiary of Ambev, owns an indirect 41.76% interest in Cervecería Nacional Dominicana S.A. ("CND"), and Ambev will consolidate CND's results going forward.

The acquisition of the 9.3% stake in CND owned by Heineken N.V. ("Heineken") is also expected to close in the second quarter of 2012.

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