Dutch beer group Heineken says it has made a $Sg5.1 billion ($A3.95 billion) takeover bid for Singapore-based Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) as part of its expansion in the region.
Heineken said on Friday it had offered to pay $Sg50 a share for Fraser & Neave's (F&N) entire stake in APB, a premium of $Sg8 over its Thursday closing price.
Trading of shares in APB, the maker of Tiger Beer, and F&N was halted at the Singapore Exchange pending the announcement.
"Heineken's offer is in line with the company's strategy to expand its presence in emerging markets," the Dutch brewer said in a statement issued from Amsterdam.
"If agreed, the offer will strengthen Heineken's platform for growth in some of the world's most exciting and dynamic economies with fast-growing populations," it added.
"Heineken will have direct access to a number of important markets, including Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam."
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