Tennis Flags Fly At Half-Mast

January 7, 2002

Tennis Flags Fly At Half-Mast To Commemorate Unique Man

Flags at today's Heineken Open will fly at half-mast to commemorate the recent passing of Dr. Alfred H. Heineken (78), former Chairman and Delegate Member of the Management Board of Heineken Holding N.V. in Amsterdam.

As major sponsors of the New Zealand Men's Tennis Open, Heineken will pay their final respects to a "unique man and visionary" who was responsible for building the family business into the leading international brewery group it is today.

Rene Van der Graaf, general manager of sales and marketing for DB Breweries Limited, a subsidiary of Asia Pacific Breweries, says the lowering of the flags during the day marks the end of an era for its parent company Heineken International.

"Mr. Heineken was devoted to the Heineken Network heart and soul and he leaves behind a legacy which has had a huge impact on our business in New Zealand and on breweries throughout the world." Mr. Van der Graaf says.

"So I think it is appropriate we lower the Heineken Open flags to celebrate and remember his contributions to business and to his many life achievements."

Dr. Alfred H. Heineken died peacefully at his home in Noordwijk, the Netherlands on January 3, 2002. In keeping with Mr. Heineken's wishes, control of Heineken Holding will remain in the family.

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