HEINEKEN establishes sponsored 'Level 1' American Depositary Receipt programme

11 december 2012 Amsterdam, 11 December 2012 - Heineken N.V. ('HEINEKEN') today announced that it has established a sponsored 'Level I' American Depositary Receipt ('ADR') programme. The transition from the previous unsponsored to the new sponsored ADR programme is aimed at better facilitating the trading of Heineken N.V. stock in the United States. René Hooft Graafland, member of the Executive Board/CFO at Heineken N.V. said: "Greater liquidity in the U.S. market through the launch of a sponsored Level I ADR programme is expected to further diversify our shareholder base in this important market and enhance corporate brand recognition." Deutsche Bank has been appointed as the depositary bank for the new sponsored ADR programme. The ratio between Heineken N.V. ADRs and the ordinary Dutch (EUR denominated) shares is 2:1, i.e. two ADRs represent one Heineken N.V. ordinary share. The new sponsored ADR programme has not been established in connection with a capital raising transaction and no shares of Heineken N.V. stock will be issued to support it. The ADRs will not be listed on any U.S. stock exchange. The ISIN and CUSIP numbers of the ADRs are US4230123014 and 423012301, respectively. Press enquiries John Clarke E-mail: john.g.clarke@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239-355 John-Paul Schuirink E-mail: john-paul.schuirink@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239-355 Investor and analyst enquiries George Toulantas E-mail: investors@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239-590 Lucia Bergamini E-mail: investors@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239-590 Editorial information: HEINEKEN is a proud, independent global brewer committed to surprise and excite consumers with its brands and products everywhere. The brand that bears the founder's family name - Heineken® - is available in almost every country on the globe and is the world's most valuable international premium beer brand. The Company's aim is to be a leading brewer in each of the markets in which it operates and to have the world's most valuable brand portfolio. HEINEKEN wants to win in all markets with Heineken® and with a full brand portfolio in markets of choice. The Company is present in over 70 countries and operates more than 160 breweries with volume of 214 million hectolitres of group beer sold. HEINEKEN is Europe's largest brewer and the world's third largest by volume. HEINEKEN is committed to the responsible marketing and consumption of its more than 250 international premium, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. These include Heineken®, Amstel, Anchor, Biere Larue, Bintang, Birra Moretti, Cruzcampo, Desperados, Dos Equis, Foster's, Newcastle Brown Ale, Ochota, Primus, Sagres, Sol, Star, Strongbow, Tecate, Tiger and Zywiec. Our leading joint venture brands include Cristal and Kingfisher. On a pro-forma 2011 basis, including APB, revenue totaled €18.5 billion and EBIT (beia) €3.0 billion. The number of people employed is around 78,000. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares are listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on the Reuter Equities 2000 Service under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com. Click here to open release: http://hugin.info/130667/R/1664017/539726.pdf This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: HEINEKEN NV via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1664017]