Miller Brewing partners with fastest-growing Costa Rican brewery.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 1995--Miller Brewing Co. today announced the formation of a strategic alliance with Cerveceria Americana, S.A., Costa Rica's newest and fastest- growing brewery.

In the arrangement, Miller acquires a significant minority equity interest in Cerveceria

``We're pleased to begin this new partnership with Cerveceria Americana, an innovative brewer that has quickly established a major presence in Costa Rica,'' said Dick Strup, senior vice president-international for Miller Brewing Co. ``Combining Miller's brewing heritage with the aggressive marketing and quality products of Cerveceria Americana will help us build a strong position in this increasingly important market.''

Cerveceria Americana currently brews Bremen and Bremen 5.0, which combined captured an 8 percent market share in less than a year.

``We're very excited to be joining forces with the prestigious Miller Brewing Co. in this endeavor,'' said Jose I. Gonzalez, founder and president of Cerveceria Americana. ``This new partnership brings the brewing and marketing expertise of one of the world's largest brewers to Costa Rica's newest brewery and will allow us to expand our portfolio by eventually offering our consumers unique premium American brands.''

In addition to its Bremen brand, the new brewery is slated to eventually produce a Miller brand which will be brewed with the assistance of Miller's brewing and technical experts. A specific brand was not announced. The brewery will also benefit from Miller's technical expertise.

The partnership further expands Miller's presence in Latin America and the Caribbean where its brands are available in 20 countries including Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, Paraguay, Peru, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

The new arrangement is further evidence of Miller's growing commitment to the international marketplace. It recently purchased a minority interest in a brewing consortium in China. In 1994, the company formed a joint venture with Taunton Cider Plc. in Great Britain and gained distribution in an additional 13 countries. Miller acquired a 20 percent partnership interest in Molson Breweries, Canada's leading brewer in 1993.

Miller Brewing Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Philip Morris Companies Inc., the world's largest consumer products company. Miller products are currently available in more than 80 countries. Principal brands include Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite and Miller ICE.

CONTACT: Miller Brewing Co.

Mike Hennick, 414/931-4536 or

Cerveceria Americana

Jose Sanchez, 505/442-9090