Arnest Group, having procured 100% of Heineken’s Russian business, will also inherit assets including seven operational breweries and an army of 1,800 Heineken employees stationed in Russia.
It’s like watching a torch being passed in a relay race, but the subsequent runner has a vastly different destination in mind.
Arnest is set to phase out the production of Amstel Bier in Russia within half a year, following Heineken’s 2022 decision to pull its signature brand beers from the nation.
The Future is Clear
One might wonder, what’s in it for Heineken? The company clarified, “We’ll neither provide brand support nor seek any proceeds, royalties, or fees from Russia.” Furthermore, they’ve made their stance clear: there’s no going back. No clause has been included in the deal for a potential return to Russia.
The exodus of Heineken reflects a broader trend. As the war drums sound and sanctions from the U.K., U.S., and European Union intensify, numerous multinationals have been charting their escape routes out of Russia.
