Heineken N.V. announced in a statement dated November 19 that it will transfer its Bukavu brewery, operated under its subsidiary Bralima, to Synergy Ventures Holdings Ltd. for 1 euro. The Mauritian company is owned by a group of entrepreneurs “experienced in the region”.
The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The decision follows the loss of operational control of the brewery in June 2025, after security conditions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo deteriorated.
“Continuing to operate is no longer feasible,” Heineken said, stressing that the transfer pursues a humanitarian objective, aimed at safeguarding jobs, maintaining vital community services, and preventing misuse of the facility in an unstable environment.
“We sought to strike a balance between our values and economic stability, while ensuring a responsible withdrawal from an environment where continued operation is no longer feasible,” the company said.
Since suspending operations in February 2025, Heineken has continued to pay all Bukavu brewery employees in full, the company said. Synergy Ventures Holdings Ltd will now assume full responsibility for operations, employee safety, and compliance with all tax obligations.
Heineken retains a buyback option exercisable three years after the sale, should conditions allow for viable operations.
In February 2025, the withdrawal of the FARDC and police forces from the area led to looting of the brewery and its depots by local populations and armed groups, according to Heineken. No employees were harmed, but the brewery suffered significant damage, notably in its control room and stock.
In June 2025, the company reported losing operational control of sites in Bukavu, Goma, and surrounding areas, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of employees remained the top priority.
“We withdrew all remaining staff and continue to support them financially. Our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families during these difficult times,” the statement said at the time.
Heineken noted that its subsidiary Bralima continues to operate normally in other parts of the DRC not affected by the conflict.
M&B