Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2004 Profile
Innovation
Heineken works to continually meet consumers' changing needs. This can be seen in the area of
marketing communication, packaging and dispense systems, where we are a recognised leader.
We also work to further improve the quality, safety and cost structure of processes and products.
This includes innovation in brewing technology and supply chain management, which reinforces
the competitiveness of our global brand portfolio.
Sustainability
Heineken is committed to conducting business responsibly and ethically. We continuously take
our initiatives to combat alcohol abuse, misuse and focused resources and energy on setting
even higher standards in the social and environmental areas of our business.
Ownership structure and stock exchange listing
A 50.005% interest in Heineken N.V. is held by Heineken Holding N.V. The shares of both companies
are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. Options of both shares are traded on the Euronext.Liffe options
exchange. L'Arche Holding S.A., a Swiss company owned by the Heineken family in turn holds a
50.005% interest in Heineken Holding N.V.
Standing at the head of the Heineken group, Heineken Holding N.V. is not an ordinary holding
company. Since its formation in 1952, Heineken Holding N.V.'s objective pursuant to its Articles
of Association, has been to manage and/or supervise the Heineken group and to provide services
to the Heineken group.
The role Heineken Holding N.V. has performed for the Heineken group since 1952 has been
to safeguard its continuity, independence and stability and create conditions for controlled, steady
growth of the Heineken group's activities. The stability provided by this structure has enabled the
Heineken group to rise to its present position as the brewer with the widest international presence
and one of the world's largest brewing groups.
Every Heineken N.V. share held by Heineken Holding N.V. is matched by one share issued by
Heineken Holding N.V. The net asset value of one Heineken Holding N.V. share is therefore identical to
the net asset value of one Heineken N.V. share. The dividend payable on the two shares is also identical.
However, historically, Heineken Holding N.V. shares have traded at a lower price due to technical
factors that are market-specific.
