The Heineken family, post the all-share acquisition of the Mexican brewer FEMSA Cerveza, will see some of its interest in the brewer melt away, but it will still continue to retain overall control.

In 2002, the family's Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken inherited her father's controlling stake in the firm, and has since worked with the brewer's top management to try and construct a complex deal to keep control in the company intact, and also expand into rapidly growing and lucrative markets of Mexico and Brazil.

Under the terms of the takeover, FEMSA will be receiving shares in brewer Heineken NV, in addition to its parent controller Heineken Holding, in order to maintain the latter's 50.005% stake in the firm. The family holding the L'Arche Green NV will, however, see its share in the Heineken Holding fall to 50% from the previously held 58% stake.

"This is a compelling and significant development for Heineken which will transform our future in the Americas, offering opportunities for accelerating sales in the rapidly growing markets of Brazil and Mexico", said Heineken Chief Executive Jean Francois van Boxmeer.

The investors have been delighted by the acquisition, and shares of Heineken gained 5.4% on the news.