Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2007

 


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

Commission file number 1-14814

 

 

Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Mexican Economic Development, Inc.

(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)

United Mexican States

(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

General Anaya No. 601 Pte.

Colonia Bella Vista

Monterrey, NL 64410 Mexico

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

       

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing 10 BD Units, each consisting of one Series B Share, two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares, without par value

     New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of December 31, 2006 was:

720,392,590BD Units, each consisting of one Series B Share, two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares, without par value. The BD Units represent a total of 720,392,590 Series B Shares, 1,440,785,180 Series D-B Shares and 1,440,785,180 Series D-L Shares.

472,349,500B Units, each consisting of five Series B Shares without par value. The B Units represent a total of 2,361,747,500 Series B Shares.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

x Yes ¨ No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

¨ Yes x No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated filer   x            Accelerated filer   ¨            Non-accelerated filer   ¨

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

¨ Item 17 x Item 18

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

¨ Yes x No

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INTRODUCTION

   1

References

   1

Currency Translations and Estimates

   1

Forward-Looking Information

   1

ITEMS 1-2.  NOT APPLICABLE

   2

ITEM 3.      KEY INFORMATION

   2

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

   2

Dividends

   4

Exchange Rate Information

   6

Risk Factors

   7

ITEM 4.      INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

   17

The Company

   17

Overview

   17

Corporate Background

   17

Ownership Structure

   20

Significant Subsidiaries

   22

Business Strategy

   22

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   23

FEMSA Cerveza

   41

FEMSA Comercio

   54

Other Business Segment

   58

Description of Property, Plant and Equipment

   59

Insurance

   61

Capital Expenditures and Divestitures

   61

Regulatory Matters

   62

ITEM 4A.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

   65

ITEM 5.      OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

   65

Overview of Events, Trends and Uncertainties

   65

Recent Developments

   66

Operating Leverage

   67

Critical Accounting Estimates

   67

New Accounting Pronouncements

   71

Operating Results

   75

Liquidity and Capital Resources

   86

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

   94

ITEM 6.      DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

   94

Directors

   94

Senior Management

   101

Compensation of Directors and Senior Management

   103

Stock Incentive Plan

   103

EVA Stock Incentive Plan

   104

Insurance Policies

   104

Ownership by Management

   104

Board Practices

   105

Employees

   106

 

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ITEM 7.      MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   108

Major Shareholders

   108

Related-Party Transactions

   108

Voting Trust

   108

Interest of Management in Certain Transactions

   109

Business Transactions between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company

   110

ITEM 8.      FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   110

Consolidated Financial Statements

   110

Dividend Policy

   111

Legal Proceedings

   111

ITEM 9.      THE OFFER AND LISTING

   114

Description of Securities

   114

Trading Markets

   115

Trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange

   115

Price History

   116

ITEM 10.    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   119

Bylaws

   119

Taxation

   126

Material Contracts

   128

Documents on Display

   133

ITEM 11.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   134

Interest Rate Risk

   134

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

   136

Equity Risk

   139

Commodity Price Risk

   139

ITEMS 12-14.   NOT APPLICABLE

   139

ITEM 15.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   139

ITEM 16A.  AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

   142

ITEM 16B.  CODE OF ETHICS

   142

ITEM 16C.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

   142

ITEM 16D.  NOT APPLICABLE

   143

ITEM 16E.  PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

   143

ITEM 17.     NOT APPLICABLE

   144

ITEM 18.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   144

ITEM 19.     EXHIBITS

   145

 

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

References

The terms “FEMSA,” “our company,” “we,” “us” and “our,” are used in this annual report to refer to Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. and, except where the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. We refer to our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V., as “Coca-Cola FEMSA,” our subsidiary FEMSA Cerveza, S.A. de C.V., as “FEMSA Cerveza,” and our subsidiary FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V., as “FEMSA Comercio.”

The term “S.A.B.” stands for Sociedad Anónima Bursátil, which is the term used in Mexico to refer to a publicly traded company under the new Mexican Securities Law issued in 2006. In December 2006, both we and Coca-Cola FEMSA changed our name to include the denomination “S.A.B.” in accordance with the new Mexican Securities Law.

References to “U.S. dollars,” “US$,” “dollars” or “$” are to the lawful currency of the United States of America. References to “Mexican pesos,” “pesos” or “Ps.” are to the lawful currency of the United Mexican States, or Mexico.

Currency Translations and Estimates

This annual report contains translations of certain Mexican peso amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. These translations should not be construed as representations that the Mexican peso amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, such U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from Mexican pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 10.7995 to US$ 1.00, the noon buying rate for Mexican pesos on December 31, 2006 as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. On June 15, 2007, this exchange rate was Ps. 10.8100 to US$ 1.00. See “Item 3. Key Information—Exchange Rate Information” for information regarding exchange rates since January 1, 2002. In our previous public disclosures, we presented U.S. dollar amounts based on the exchange rate quoted by dealers to FEMSA for the settlement of obligations in foreign currencies at the end of the applicable period.

To the extent estimates are contained in this annual report, we believe that such estimates, which are based on internal data, are reliable. Amounts in this annual report are rounded, and the totals may therefore not precisely equal the sum of the numbers presented.

Per capita growth rates and population data have been computed based upon statistics prepared by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática of Mexico (the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Information, which we refer to as the Mexican Institute of Statistics), the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estadistica (the Brazilian Institute of Statistics or IBGE), the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Banco de México (the Bank of Mexico) and upon our estimates.

Forward-Looking Information

This annual report contains words, such as “believe,” “expect” and “anticipate” and similar expressions that identify forward-looking statements. Use of these words reflects our views about future events and financial performance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors that may be beyond our control, including but not limited to effects on our company from changes in our relationship with or among our affiliated companies, movements in the prices of raw materials, competition, significant developments in Mexico or international economic or political conditions or changes in our regulatory environment. Accordingly, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. In any event, these statements speak only as of their respective dates, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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ITEMS 1-2. NOT APPLICABLE

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

This annual report includes, under Item 18, our audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated income statements, changes in financial position and changes in stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. Our audited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Mexican Financial Reporting Standards (Normas de Información Financiera), which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP.

Notes 27 and 28 to our audited consolidated financial statements provide a description of the principal differences between Mexican Financial Reporting Standards and U.S. GAAP as they relate to our company, together with a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income and stockholders’ equity as well as U.S. GAAP consolidated balance sheets, income statements, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for the same periods presented for Mexican Financial Reporting Standards purposes. In the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, we present our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA, which is a consolidated subsidiary for purposes of Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, under the equity method for U.S. GAAP purposes, due to the substantive participating rights of The Coca-Cola Company as a minority shareholder in Coca-Cola FEMSA.

The effects of inflation accounting under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards have not been reversed in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. See note 27 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

The following table presents selected financial information of our company. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements. The selected financial information is presented on a consolidated basis and is not necessarily indicative of our financial position or results of operations at or for any future date or period.

 

    

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

Year Ended December 31,

 
     2006(1)     2006     2005     2004     2003(2)     2002  
     (In millions of U.S. dollars and millions of Mexican pesos at December 31, 2006, except for
per share data, the weighted average number of shares outstanding and percentages)
 

Income Statement Data:

            

Mexican FRS:

            

Total revenues

   $ 11,707     Ps. 126,427     Ps. 111,636     Ps. 102,316     Ps. 86,818     Ps. 62,542  

Income from operations

     1,610     17,390     16,403     14,964     13,686     10,973  

Taxes(3)

     445     4,806     4,866     2,649     3,963     4,255  

Consolidated net income

     851     9,195     8,566     10,085     5,340     5,417  

Net majority income

     613     6,622     5,766     6,411     3,631     3,332  

Net minority income

     238     2,573     2,800     3,674     1,709     2,085  

Net majority income:(4)

            

Per Series B Share

     0.09     0.99     0.90     1.08     0.61     0.56  

Per Series D Share

     0.12     1.24     1.13     1.35     0.76     0.70  

Weighted average number of
shares outstanding
(in millions):

            

Series B Shares

     3,082.1     3,082.1     2,944.9     2,739.2     2,739.2     2,739.2  

Series D Shares

     2,881.6     2,881.6     2,753.4     2,561.0     2,561.0     2,561.0  

Allocation of earnings:

            

Series B Shares

     46.11 %   46.11 %   46.11 %   46.11 %   46.11 %   46.11 %

Series D Shares

     53.89 %   53.89 %   53.89 %   53.89 %   53.89 %   53.89 %

U.S. GAAP:

            

Total revenues

   $ 6,756     Ps. 72,959     Ps. 60,749     Ps. 53,544     Ps. 47,973     Ps. 43,298  

Income from operations

     698     7,536     6,662     5,793     5,184     5,339  

 

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Selected Consolidated Financial Information

Year Ended December 31,

     2006(1)     2006     2005    2004    2003(2)    2002
     (In millions of U.S. dollars and millions of Mexican pesos at December 31, 2006, except for
per share data, the weighted average  number of shares outstanding and percentages)

Participation in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s earnings(5)

     216       2,332       2,125      2,830      1,217      1,514

Minority interest

     (15 )     (163 )     —        505      413      668

Net income

     622       6,720       5,840      7,086      3,699      3,626

Net income:(6)

               

Per Series B Share

     0.03       0.34       0.30      0.40      0.21      0.20

Per Series D Share

     0.04       0.42       0.38      0.50      0.26      0.25

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions):

               

Series B Shares

     9,246.4       9,246.4       8,834.8      8,217.5      8,217.5      8,217.5

Series D Shares

     8,644.7       8,644.7       8,260.1      7,683.0      7,683.0      7,683.0

Balance Sheet Data:

               

Mexican FRS:

               

Total assets

   $ 13,463     $ 145,390     $ 132,312    $ 131,173    $ 121,687    $ 70,970

Current liabilities

     2,346       25,337       20,960      25,630      19,717      13,946

Long-term debt(7)

     3,172       34,251       30,942      39,038      37,898      11,527

Other long-term liabilities

     1,071       11,574       9,921      9,862      10,948      6,637

Capital stock

     477       5,154       5,154      4,799      4,799      4,799

Total stockholders’ equity

     6,874       74,228       70,489      56,643      53,124      38,860

Majority interest

     5,021       54,220       50,027      38,322      32,925      27,208

Minority interest

     1,853       20,008       20,462      18,321      20,199      11,652

 

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Selected Consolidated Financial Information

Year Ended December 31,

 
     2006(1)     2006     2005     2004     2003(2)     2002  
    

(in millions of U.S. dollars and millions of Mexican pesos at December 31, 2006, except for

per share data, the weighted average number of shares outstanding and percentages)

 

U.S. GAAP:

            

Total assets

   $ 10,235     Ps.110,538     Ps.95,286     Ps.89,257     Ps.77,898     Ps.75,274  

Current liabilities

     1,322     14,278     9,724     16,381     11,230     13,140  

Long-term debt(7)

     1,673     18,070     14,627     15,665     8,041     7,799  

Other long-term
liabilities

     628     6,784     4,815     3,344     5,329     4,952  

Minority interest

     15     160     50     54     5,752     6,144  

Capital stock

     477     5,154     5,154     4,799     4,799     4,799  

Stockholders’ equity

     6,597     71,246     66,070     53,813     47,546     43,239  

Other information:

            

Mexican FRS:

            

Depreciation(8)

   $ 426     Ps. 4,599     Ps. 4,382     Ps. 4,125     Ps. 3,614     Ps. 2,729  

Capital expenditures(9)

     823     8,888     7,034     7,508     7,722     6,542  

Operating margin(10)

     13.8 %   13.8 %   14.7 %   14.6 %   15.8 %   17.5 %

U.S. GAAP:

            

Depreciation

   $ 193     Ps. 2,080     Ps. 2,038     Ps. 1,958     Ps. 2,262     Ps. 1,899  

Operating margin(10)

     10.3 %   10.3 %   11.0 %   10.8 %   10.8 %   12.3 %

(1) Translation to U.S. dollar amounts at an exchange rate of Ps. 10.7995 to US$ 1.00 solely for the convenience of the reader.

 

(2) Our 2003 financial information is not comparable to prior and subsequent periods due to the acquisition of Panamco in May 2003 by our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA. See “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus— Comparability of Information Presented-Panamco Acquisition.”

 

(3) Includes income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing.

 

(4) The net income per Series B Share and per Series D Share was calculated in accordance with Bulletin B-14 “Utilidad por Acción” (Earnings per Share) of Mexican Financial Reporting Standards.

 

(5) Coca-Cola FEMSA is included under the equity method for U.S. GAAP, as discussed in note 27 (a) to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

(6) Reflects 3-for-1 stock split effective May 28, 2007 in respect of our BD Units and May 30, 2007 in respect of our ADS, which is after the date of the latest reported balance sheet, but before the issuance of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report as established by EITF D-86 (“Issuance of Financial Statements”). For US GAAP purposes, FASB No. 128 “Earnings per Share” establishes that the earnings-per-share computation as of December 31, 2006 and previous year computations should be based on the new number of shares following the stock split. See “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus—Recent Developments.”

 

(7) Includes long-term debt minus the current portion of long-term debt.

 

(8) Includes bottle breakage for Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

(9) Includes investments in property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets.

 

(10) Operating margin is calculated by dividing income from operations by total revenues.

Dividends

We have historically paid dividends per BD Unit (including in the form of ADSs) approximately equal to or greater than 1% of the market price on the date of declaration, subject to changes in our results of operations and financial position, including due to extraordinary economic events and to the factors described in “Risk Factors” that affect our financial condition and liquidity. These factors may affect whether or not dividends are declared and the amount of such dividends. We do not expect to be subject to any contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, although our subsidiaries may be subject to such restrictions. Because we are a holding company with no significant operations of our own, we will have distributable profits and cash to pay dividends only to the

 

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extent that we receive dividends from our subsidiaries. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will pay dividends or as to the amount of any dividends.

The following table sets forth for each year the nominal amount of dividends per share that we declared in Mexican pesos and the U.S. dollar amounts that were actually paid on each of the respective payment dates for the 2002 to 2006 fiscal years:

 

Date Dividend Paid

  

Fiscal Year
with Respect to
which

Dividend

was Declared

   Aggregate Amount
of Dividend
Declared(1)
   Per Series B
Share
Dividend
   Per Series B
Share
Dividend
   Per Series D
Share
Dividend
   Per Series D
Share
Dividend

May 30, 2003

   2002    Ps. 397,792,604    Ps.0.0670    $ 0.0065    Ps. 0.0838    $ 0.0081

May 31, 2004

   2003    Ps. 531,379,672    Ps.0.0895    $ 0.0078    Ps. 0.1119    $ 0.0098

May 31, 2005

   2004    Ps. 659,997,941    Ps.0.1112    $ 0.0102    Ps. 0.1389    $ 0.0127

June 15, 2006

   2005    Ps. 986,000,000    Ps.0.1475    $ 0.0129    Ps. 0.1844    $ 0.0161

May 15, 2007

   2006    Ps.1, 485,000,000    Ps.0.2222    $ 0.0206    Ps. 0.2777    $ 0.0257

(1)

The aggregate amount of dividend declared is determined by the per series dividend amount multiplied by (a), for 2002 through 2004, 2,737,740,090 Series B Shares and 2,559,570,360 Series D Shares, and (b), for 2005 and 2006, 3,082,140,090 Series B Shares and 2,881,570,360 Series D Shares, which is in each case the number of shares outstanding at the date each dividend is declared.

At the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting, the board of directors submits the financial statements of our company for the previous fiscal year, together with a report thereon by the board of directors. Once the holders of Series B Shares have approved the financial statements, they determine the allocation of our net profits for the preceding year. Mexican law requires the allocation of at least 5% of net profits to a legal reserve, which is not subsequently available for distribution, until the amount of the legal reserve equals 20% of our paid in capital stock. Thereafter, the holders of Series B Shares may determine and allocate a certain percentage of net profits to any general or special reserve, including a reserve for open-market purchases of our shares. The remainder of net profits is available for distribution in the form of dividends to our shareholders. Dividends may only be paid if net profits are sufficient to offset losses from prior fiscal years.

Our bylaws provide that, before May 11, 2008, dividends will be allocated among the shares outstanding and fully paid at the time a dividend is declared in such manner that each Series D-B Share and Series D-L Share receives 125% of the dividend distributed in respect of each Series B Share. Holders of Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares are entitled to this dividend premium in connection with all dividends paid by us other than payments in connection with the liquidation of our company. On May 11, 2008, the Series D-B Shares will automatically convert into Series B Shares and the Series D-L Shares will automatically convert into Series L Shares, which will not be entitled to a dividend premium. From and after May 11, 2008, the Series L Shares and Series B Shares that are outstanding and fully paid at the time a dividend is declared will be entitled to share equally in the dividend.

Subject to certain exceptions contained in the deposit agreement dated May 11, 2007, among FEMSA, The Bank of New York, as ADS depositary, and holders and beneficial owners from time to time of our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, any dividends distributed to holders of our ADSs will be paid to the ADS depositary in Mexican pesos and will be converted by the ADS depositary into U.S. dollars. As a result, restrictions on conversion of Mexican pesos into foreign currencies and exchange rate fluctuations may affect the ability of holders of our ADSs to receive U.S. dollars and the U.S. dollar amount actually received by holders of our ADSs. Although the Mexican government does not currently restrict the ability of Mexican and foreign persons or entities to convert Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars or other currencies or to transfer other currencies out of Mexico, we cannot give any assurance that the Mexican government will not institute a restrictive exchange control policy in the future.

 

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Exchange Rate Information

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the high, low, average and period end noon buying rates of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, expressed in Mexican pesos per one U.S. dollar. The rates have not been restated in constant currency units and therefore represent nominal historical figures.

 

Period

   Exchange Rate
     High    Low    Average(1)    Period End

2002

   10.43    9.00    9.66    10.43

2003

   11.41    10.11    10.80    11.24

2004

   11.64    10.81    11.29    11.15

2005

   11.41    10.41    10.89    10.63

2006

   11.46    10.43    10.91    10.80

(1) Average month-end rates.

 

Period

   Exchange Rate
     High    Low    Period End

2005:

        

First Quarter

   Ps. 11.41    Ps. 10.98    Ps. 11.18

Second Quarter

     11.23      10.76      10.77

Third Quarter

     10.90      10.58      10.79

Fourth Quarter

     10.94      10.41      10.63

2006:

        

First Quarter

   Ps. 10.95    Ps. 10.46    Ps. 10.90

Second Quarter

     11.46      10.84      11.29

Third Quarter

     11.18      10.74      10.98

Fourth Quarter

     11.06      10.71      10.80

December

     10.99      10.77      10.80

2007:

        

January

   Ps. 11.09    Ps. 10.77    Ps. 11.04

February

     11.16      10.92      11.16

March

     11.18      11.01      11.04

April

     11.03      10.92      10.93

May

     10.93      10.74      10.74

June(1)

     10.98      10.71      10.81

(1) From the period beginning June 1 until June 15, 2007.

Mexico has a free foreign exchange market and, since December 1994, the Mexican government has not intervened to maintain the value of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar. The Mexican peso declined in 1998 as the foreign exchange markets experienced volatility as a result of the financial crises in Asia and Russia and the financial turmoil in countries such as Brazil and Venezuela. The Mexican peso remained relatively stable from 1999 until the fall of 2001. In late 2001 and early 2002, the Mexican peso appreciated considerably against the U.S. dollar and, more strongly, against other foreign currencies. From the second quarter of 2002 and until the end of 2003, the Mexican peso depreciated in value. The Mexican peso has remained relatively stable since 2004. The Mexican government may not maintain its current policies with regard to the Mexican peso and, accordingly, the Mexican peso may depreciate significantly in the future.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to Our Company

Coca-Cola FEMSA

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business depends on its relationship with The Coca-Cola Company, and changes in this relationship may adversely affect its results of operations and financial position.

Approximately 95% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales volume in 2006 was derived from sales of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. In each of its territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages through standard bottler agreements. Through its rights under the bottler agreements and as a large shareholder, The Coca-Cola Company has the ability to exercise substantial influence over the conduct of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business.

Under Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements, The Coca-Cola Company may unilaterally set the price for its concentrate. In 2005, The Coca-Cola Company decided to gradually increase concentrate prices for carbonated soft drinks over a three year period in Mexico beginning in 2007 and in Brazil in 2006. Coca-Cola FEMSA prepares a three-year general business plan that is submitted to its board of directors for approval. The Coca-Cola Company may require that Coca-Cola FEMSA demonstrate its financial ability to meet its plans and may terminate Coca-Cola FEMSA’s rights to produce, market and distribute soft drinks in territories with respect to which such approval is withheld. The Coca-Cola Company also makes significant contributions to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s marketing expenses although it is not required to contribute a particular amount. In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA is prohibited from bottling any soft drink product or distributing other beverages without The Coca-Cola Company’s authorization or consent. Coca-Cola FEMSA may not transfer control of the bottler rights of any of its territories without the consent of The Coca-Cola Company.

Coca-Cola FEMSA depends on The Coca-Cola Company to renew its bottler agreements. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements for Mexico expire in 2013 and 2015 and are renewable in each case for ten-year terms. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements for Brazil expired in December 2004 and for Venezuela in August 2006. Coca-Cola FEMSA and its bottler agreements for Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama (other beverages) and Colombia expire in June 2007. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreement for Coca-Cola trademark beverages for Panama has an indefinite term but may be terminated with six months prior written notice by either party. Coca-Cola FEMSA is currently in the process of negotiating renewals of these agreements on similar terms and conditions as in other countries. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s remaining territories are governed by bottler agreements that expire after June 2007. There can be no assurances that The Coca-Cola Company will decide to renew any of these agreements. In addition, in the event a material breach of these agreements occurs, the agreements may be terminated. Termination would prevent Coca-Cola FEMSA from selling Coca-Cola trademark beverages in the affected territory and would have an adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business, financial condition, prospects and results of operations

The Coca-Cola Company has substantial influence on the conduct of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business, which may result in Coca-Cola FEMSA taking actions contrary to the interest of its remaining shareholders.

The Coca-Cola Company has significant influence on the conduct of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business. The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owns 31.6% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s outstanding capital stock, representing 37.0% of its capital stock with full voting rights. The Coca-Cola Company is entitled to appoint four of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s 18 directors and certain of its executive officers and, except under limited circumstances, has the power to veto all actions requiring approval by Coca-Cola FEMSA’s board of directors. We indirectly own 53.7% of Coca Cola FEMSA’s outstanding capital stock, representing 63.0% of Coca Cola FEMSA’s capital stock with full voting rights. We are entitled to appoint 11 of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s 18 directors and certain of its

 

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executive officers. The Coca-Cola Company, thus may have the power to determine the outcome of actions requiring approval by its board of directors and may have the power to determine the outcome of actions requiring approval of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s shareholders. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Material Contracts—Coca-Cola FEMSA.” The interests of The Coca-Cola Company may be different from the interests of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s remaining shareholders, which may result in Coca-Cola FEMSA taking actions contrary to the interest of its remaining shareholders.

Coca-Cola FEMSA has significant transactions with affiliates, particularly The Coca-Cola Company, which may create potential conflicts of interest and could result in less favorable terms to Coca-Cola FEMSA.

Coca-Cola FEMSA engages in transactions with subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company, including cooperative marketing arrangements and a number of bottler agreements. Coca-Cola FEMSA agreed jointly with The Coca-Cola Company to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of Jugos del Valle, S.A.B de C.V., which we refer to as Jugos del Valle, a Mexican juice and beverage producer. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus—Recent Developments.” In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA has entered into cooperative marketing arrangements with The Coca-Cola Company. The transactions may create potential conflicts of interest, which could result in terms less favorable to Coca-Cola FEMSA than could be obtained from an unaffiliated third party.

Competition could adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s financial performance.

The beverage industry throughout Latin America is highly competitive. Coca-Cola FEMSA faces competition from other bottlers of carbonated soft drinks such as Pepsi products, and from producers of low cost beverages, or “B brands.” Coca-Cola FEMSA also competes against beverages other than soft drinks such as water, fruit juice and sport drinks. In Mexico, Coca-Cola FEMSA faces competition from water beverage companies such as Danone, with its local brand Aguas Santa María, from Pepsico in the sport drink market, with its Gatorade brand, and from a diverse array of local fruit juice beverage companies. Although competitive conditions are different in each of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes principally in terms of price, packaging, consumer sale promotions, customer service and non-price retail incentives. There can be no assurances that Coca-Cola FEMSA will be able to avoid lower pricing as a result of competitive pressure. Lower pricing, changes made in response to competition and changes in consumer preferences may have an adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s financial performance.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s principal competitor in Mexico is The Pepsi Bottling Group, or PBG. PBG is the largest bottler of Pepsi products worldwide and competes with Coca-Cola trademark beverages. Coca-Cola FEMSA has also experienced stronger competition in Mexico from lower priced soft drinks in larger, multiple serving packaging. In Argentina and Brazil, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes with Companhia de Bebidas das Américas, commonly referred to as AmBev, the largest brewer in Latin America and a subsidiary of InBev S.A., which sells Pepsi products, in addition to a portfolio that includes local brands with flavors such as guaraná and proprietary beers. In each of its territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes with Pepsi bottlers and with various other bottlers and distributors of nationally and regionally advertised soft drinks.

A water shortage or a failure to maintain existing concessions could adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business.

Water is an essential component of soft drinks. Coca-Cola FEMSA obtains water from various sources in its territories, including springs, wells, rivers and municipal water companies. In Mexico, Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases water from municipal water companies and pumps water from its own wells pursuant to concessions granted by the Mexican government. Coca-Cola FEMSA obtains the vast majority of the water used in its soft

 

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drink production in Mexico pursuant to these concessions, which the Mexican government granted based on studies of the existing and projected groundwater supply. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s existing water concessions in Mexico may be terminated by governmental authorities under certain circumstances and their renewal depends on receiving necessary authorizations from municipal and/or federal water authorities. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Regulatory Matters—Water Supply Law.” In Coca-Cola FEMSA’s other territories, its existing water supply may not be sufficient to meet its future production needs and the available water supply may be adversely affected by shortages or changes in governmental regulations.

Coca-Cola FEMSA cannot assure you that water will be available in sufficient quantities to meet its future production needs or will prove sufficient to meet its water supply needs.

Increases in the prices of raw materials would increase Coca-Cola FEMSA’s cost of sales and may adversely affect its results of operations.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most significant raw materials are concentrate, which it acquires from companies designated by The Coca-Cola Company, packaging materials and sweeteners. Prices for concentrate are determined by The Coca-Cola Company pursuant to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements as a percentage of the weighted average retail price in local currency, net of applicable taxes. In 2005, The Coca-Cola Company decided to gradually increase concentrate prices for carbonated soft drinks over a three-year period in Mexico which began in 2007 and in Brazil in 2006. The prices for Coca-Cola FEMSA’s remaining raw materials are driven by market prices and local availability as well as the imposition of import duties and import restrictions and fluctuations in exchange rates. Coca-Cola FEMSA is also required to meet all of its supply needs from suppliers approved by The Coca-Cola Company, which may limit the number of suppliers available to it. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales prices are denominated in the local currency in which it operates, while the prices of certain materials used in the bottling of its products, mainly resin and ingots to make plastic bottles, finished plastic bottles and aluminum cans, are paid in or determined with reference to the U.S. dollar, and therefore may increase if the U.S. dollar appreciates against the currency of any country in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates, particularly against the Mexican peso. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Coca-Cola FEMSA—Raw Materials.”

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most significant packaging raw material costs arise from the purchase of resin and plastic ingots to make plastic bottles and from the purchase of finished plastic bottles, the prices of which are tied to crude oil prices and global resin supply. In Mexico, the U.S. dollar prices that Coca-Cola FEMSA paid for resin remained relatively flat in 2006. Sugar prices in all of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates other than Brazil are subject to local regulations and other barriers to market entry that cause it to pay in excess of international market prices for sugar. Coca-Cola FEMSA expects sugar prices to decrease in 2007 in all of the countries in which it operates other than Mexico and Venezuela. In Venezuela, Coca-Cola FEMSA has experienced sugar shortages that have adversely affected its operations. These shortages were due to insufficient domestic production to meet demand and current restrictions on sugar imports.

Coca-Cola FEMSA cannot assure you that its raw material prices will not further increase in the future. Increases in the prices of raw materials would increase Coca-Cola FEMSA’s cost of sales and adversely affect its results of operations.

Taxes on soft drinks could adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products are subject to excise and value-added taxes in many of the countries in which it operates. The imposition of new taxes or increases in taxes on its products may have a material adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business, financial condition, prospects and results of operations. In 2003, Mexico implemented a 20% excise tax on carbonated soft drinks produced with non-sugar sweetener. This tax was eliminated beginning in 2007. Certain countries in Central America, Argentina and Brazil impose taxes on

 

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carbonated soft drinks. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Coca-Cola FEMSA—Taxation of Soft Drinks.” We cannot assure you that any governmental authority in any country where Coca-Cola FEMSA operates will not impose or increase taxes on its products in the future.

Regulatory developments may adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business.

Coca-Cola FEMSA is subject to regulation in each of the territories in which it operates. The principal areas in which Coca-Cola FEMSA is subject to regulation are environment, labor, taxation, health and antitrust. The adoption of new laws or regulations in the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates may increase its operating costs or impose restrictions on its operations which, in turn, may adversely affect its financial condition, business and results of operations. In particular, environmental standards are becoming more stringent in several of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates, and Coca-Cola FEMSA is in the process of complying with these new standards. Further changes in current regulations may result in an increase in compliance costs, which may have an adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s future results of operations or financial condition.

Voluntary price restraints or statutory price controls have been imposed historically in several of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates. The imposition of these restrictions in the future may have an adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s results of operations and financial position. Although Mexican bottlers have been free to set prices for carbonated soft drinks without governmental intervention since January 1996, such prices had been subject to statutory price controls and to voluntary price restraints, which effectively limited Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to increase prices in the Mexican market without governmental consent. We cannot assure that governmental authorities in any country where Coca-Cola FEMSA operates will not impose statutory price controls or voluntary price restraints in the future.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operations have from time to time been subject to investigations and proceedings by antitrust authorities and litigation relating to alleged anticompetitive practices. We cannot assure you that these investigations and proceedings will not have an adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s results of operations or financial condition.

FEMSA Cerveza

Unfavorable economic conditions in Mexico, Brazil or the United States may adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business.

Demand for the products of FEMSA Cerveza may be affected by economic conditions in Mexico, Brazil or the United States. In particular, demand in northern Mexico, where there are a large number of border towns, may be disproportionately affected by the performance of the United States’ economy. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza’s exports to the United States may be affected by reduced demand from the United States or from a reduction in prices by its competitors. Any depreciation of the Mexican peso may negatively affect its results of operations because a significant portion of its costs and expenses are denominated in, or determined by reference to, the U.S. dollar.

Uncertainty in commodity prices of raw materials used by FEMSA Cerveza may result in increased costs and adversely affect its results of operations.

FEMSA Cerveza purchases a number of commodities for the production of its products (principally aluminum, barley, malt and hops) from Mexican producers and in the international market. The prices of such commodities can fluctuate and are determined by global supply and demand and other factors, including changes in exchange rates, over which FEMSA Cerveza has no control. Market prices for aluminum increased by approximately 35% in 2006. Because aluminum prices are denominated in U.S. dollars, an appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso would increase the cost to FEMSA Cerveza as a percentage of net sales, as

 

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its sales are generally in Mexican pesos. There can be no assurance that FEMSA Cerveza will be able to recover increases in the cost of raw materials. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—FEMSA Cerveza—Raw Materials.” An increase in raw materials costs would adversely affect its results of operations.

FEMSA Cerveza’s sales in the United States depend on distribution arrangements with Heineken USA.

Heineken USA Inc., or Heineken USA, is the exclusive importer, marketer and distributor of FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States under a three-year agreement that expires on December 31, 2007. In addition, in April 2007 FEMSA Cerveza and Heineken USA entered into a new ten-year agreement pursuant to which Heineken USA will continue to be the exclusive importer, marketer and distributor of FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States. Accordingly, FEMSA Cerveza’s exports to the United States depend to a significant extent on Heineken USA’s performance under these agreements. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus—Recent Developments.” We cannot assure that Heineken USA will be able to maintain or increase sales of FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States, nor that when the new agreement expires in December of 2017, FEMSA Cerveza will be able to renew the agreement or enter into a substitute arrangement on comparable terms.

FEMSA Cerveza’s sales in the Mexican market depend on its ability to compete with Grupo Modelo.

FEMSA Cerveza faces competition in the Mexican beer market from Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C.V., or Grupo Modelo. FEMSA Cerveza’s ability to compete successfully in the Mexican beer market will have a significant impact on its Mexican sales. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—FEMSA Cerveza—The Mexican Beer Market.”

FEMSA Cerveza’s sales in the Brazilian market depend on its ability to compete with local brewers.

FEMSA Cerveza faces competition in the Brazilian beer market from Companhia de Bebidas das Americas, or AmBev, Grupo Schincariol and Cervejarias Petropolis. FEMSA Cerveza’s ability to compete successfully in the Brazilian beer market will have a significant impact on its Brazilian sales. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—FEMSA Cerveza—The Brazilian Beer Market.”

Competition from imports in the Mexican beer market is increasing and may adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business.

Imports represented 2.1% of the Mexican beer market in terms of sales volume in 2006. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, the tariffs applicable to beers imported from the United States and Canada were eliminated in January 2001. Increased import competition, however, could result from potential new entrants to the Mexican beer market or from a change in consumer preferences in Mexico and could lead to greater competition in general, which may adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business, financial position and results of operations. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—FEMSA Cerveza—The Mexican Beer Market.”

Regulatory developments in our main markets could adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business.

FEMSA Cerveza’s business is subject to a variety of different government regulations in our key markets of Mexico, Brazil and the United States, and thus may be affected by changes in law, regulation or regulatory policy. Particularly in Mexico, actions of federal and local authorities, specifically changes in governmental policy with respect to excise and value-added tax laws or cold beer regulation and governmental actions relating to the beer industry practice of “tied-customer arrangements,” which are agreements with retailers to sell and promote a beer producer’s products, may have a material adverse effect on FEMSA Cerveza’s business, financial position and results of operations.

 

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Federal regulation of beer consumption in Mexico is primarily effected through a 25% excise tax, which starting January 2006 includes an alternative minimum Mexican peso amount of Ps. 3.00 per liter for non-returnable presentations and Ps. 1.74 per liter for returnable presentations, and a 15% value-added tax. Currently, we do not anticipate an increase in these taxes, but federal regulation relating to excise taxes may change in the future, resulting in an increase or decrease in the tax. Local regulations are primarily effected through the issuance of licenses authorizing retailers to sell alcoholic beverages. Other regulations affecting beer consumption in Mexico vary according to local jurisdictions and include limitations on the hours during which restaurants, bars and other retail outlets are allowed to sell beer. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—FEMSA Cerveza—The Mexican Beer Market.”

FEMSA Cerveza may not be able to improve performance in its newly acquired Brazilian operations.

In 2006, FEMSA Cerveza acquired through a series of transactions 99.83% of Brazilian brewer Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A., or Kaiser. Prior to the acquisition, Kaiser’s profitability and market position had declined as a result of operational changes by the prior owner and increased competition in the Brazilian beer market. Kaiser’s operating margins are therefore lower than those of FEMSA Cerveza’s Mexican operations. FEMSA Cerveza is currently in the process of implementing a number of initiatives to seek to improve Kaiser’s performance, although FEMSA Cerveza has not previously conducted operations in the Brazilian beer market, where market conditions differ significantly from Mexico. FEMSA Cerveza’s initiatives may not be successful in improving Kaiser’s performance, which would adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s sales growth and operating margins.

A water supply shortage could adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business.

FEMSA Cerveza purchases water from Mexican government entities and obtains pump water from its own wells pursuant to concessions granted by the Mexican government.

FEMSA Cerveza believes that its water concessions will satisfy its current and future water requirements. We cannot assure, however, that isolated periods of adverse weather will not affect FEMSA Cerveza’s supply of water to meet its future production needs in any given period, or that its concessions will not be terminated or will be renewed by the Mexican government. Any of these events or actions may adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business, financial position and results of operations.

FEMSA Comercio

Competition from other retailers in Mexico could adversely affect FEMSA Comercio’s business.

The Mexican retail sector is highly competitive. FEMSA participates in the retail sector primarily through FEMSA Comercio. FEMSA Comercio’s Oxxo convenience stores face competition on a regional basis from 7-Eleven, Super Extra, Super City, AM/PM and Circle K stores, among others. In particular, the Super Extra chain is owned and managed by Grupo Modelo, our main competitor in the Mexican beer market, and since 2003 Super Extra has aggressively expanded the number of its stores. Oxxo convenience stores also face competition from numerous small chains of retailers across Mexico. In the future, Oxxo stores may face additional competition from other retailers that do not currently participate in the convenience store sector or from new market entrants. Increased competition may limit the number of new locations available to FEMSA Comercio and require FEMSA Comercio to modify its product offering or pricing. In addition, consumers may prefer alternative products or store formats offered by competitors. As a result, FEMSA Comercio’s results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected by competition in the future.

 

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Sales of Oxxo convenience stores may be adversely affected by changes in economic conditions in Mexico.

Convenience stores often sell certain products at a premium. The convenience store market is thus highly sensitive to economic conditions, since an economic slowdown is often accompanied by a decline in consumer purchasing power, which in turn results in a decline in the overall consumption of FEMSA Comercio’s main product categories. During periods of economic slowdown, Oxxo stores may experience a decline in traffic per store and purchases per customer, and this may result in a decline in FEMSA Comercio’s results of operations.

FEMSA Comercio may not be able to maintain its historic growth rate.

FEMSA Comercio increased the number of Oxxo stores at an average annual rate of 21.6% from 2002 to 2006. The growth in the number of Oxxo stores has driven growth in total revenue and operating income at FEMSA Comercio over the same period. As the overall number of stores increases, percentage growth in the number of Oxxo stores is likely to decrease. In addition, as convenience store penetration in Mexico grows, the number of viable new store locations may decrease, and new store locations may be less favorable in terms of same store sales, average ticket and store traffic. As a result, FEMSA Comercio’s future results of operations and financial condition may not be consistent with prior periods and may be characterized by lower growth rates in terms of total revenue and operating income.

Risks Related to Our Principal Shareholders and Capital Structure

A majority of our voting shares are held by a voting trust, which effectively controls the management of our company, and whose interests may differ from those of other shareholders.

As of May 31, 2007, a voting trust, the participants of which are members of five families, owned 38.64% of our capital stock and 74.78% of our capital stock with full voting rights, consisting of the Series B Shares. Consequently, the voting trust has the power to elect a majority of the members of our board of directors and to play a significant or controlling role in the outcome of substantially all matters to be decided by our board of directors or our shareholders. The interests of the voting trust may differ from those of our other shareholders. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” and “Item 10. Additional Information—Bylaws—Voting Rights and Certain Minority Rights.”

Holders of Series D-B and D-L Shares have limited voting rights.

Holders of Series D-B and D-L Shares have limited voting rights and are only entitled to vote on specific matters, such as changes in the form of our corporate organization (other than a change from a sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable to a sociedad anónima bursátil, and vice versa), dissolutions, liquidations a merger with a company with a distinct corporate purpose, cancellation of the registration of the Series D-B and D-L Shares and any other matters that expressly require approval from such holders under the new Mexican Securities Market Law, which we refer to as the Mexican Securities Law. As a result of these limited voting rights, Series D-B and D-L these holders will not be able to influence our business or operations. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders” and “Item 10. Additional Information—Bylaws—Voting Rights and Certain Minority Rights.”

Holders of ADSs may not be able to vote at our shareholder meetings.

Our shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of ADSs. We cannot assure that holders of our shares in the form of ADSs will receive notice of shareholders’ meetings from our ADS depositary in sufficient time to enable such holders to return voting instructions to the ADS depositary in a timely manner. In the event that instructions are not received with respect to any shares underlying ADSs, the ADS depositary will, subject to certain limitations, grant a proxy to a person designated by us in respect of these shares. In the event

 

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that this proxy is not granted, the ADS depositary will vote these shares in the same manner as the majority of the shares of each class for which voting instructions are received.

Holders of BD Units in the United States and holders of ADSs may not be able to participate in any future preemptive rights offering and as a result may be subject to dilution of their equity interests.

Under applicable Mexican law, if we issue new shares for cash as a part of a capital increase, other than in connection with a public offering of newly issued shares or treasury stock (which are exempted under the Mexican Securities Law), we are generally required to grant our shareholders the right to purchase a sufficient number of shares to maintain their existing ownership percentage. Rights to purchase shares in these circumstances are known as preemptive rights. We may not legally allow holders of our shares or ADSs who are located in the United States to exercise any preemptive rights in any future capital increases unless (1) we file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to that future issuance of shares or (2) the offering qualifies for an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. At the time of any future capital increase, we will evaluate the costs and potential liabilities associated with filing a registration statement with the SEC, as well as the benefits of preemptive rights to holders of our shares in the form of ADSs in the United States and any other factors that we consider important in determining whether to file a registration statement.

We may decide not to file a registration statement with the SEC to allow holders of our shares or ADSs who are located in the United States to participate in a preemptive rights offering. In addition, under current Mexican law, the sale by the ADS depositary of preemptive rights and the distribution of the proceeds from such sales to the holders of our shares in the form of ADSs is not possible. As a result, the equity interest of holders of our shares in the form of ADSs would be diluted proportionately. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Preemptive Rights.”

The protections afforded to minority shareholders in Mexico are different from those afforded to minority shareholders in the United States.

Under Mexican law, the protections afforded to minority shareholders are different from, and may be less than, those afforded to minority shareholders in the United States. Mexican laws do not provide a remedy to shareholders relating to violations of fiduciary duties, there is no procedure for class actions as such actions are conducted in the United States and there are different procedural requirements for bringing shareholder lawsuits against directors for the benefit of companies. Therefore, it may be more difficult for minority shareholders to enforce their rights against us, our directors or our controlling shareholders than it would be for minority shareholders of a United States company.

Investors may experience difficulties in enforcing civil liabilities against us or our directors, officers and controlling persons.

FEMSA is organized under the laws of Mexico, and most of our directors, officers and controlling persons reside outside the United States. In addition, all or a substantial portion of our assets and their respective assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States on such persons or to enforce judgments against them, including any action based on civil liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws. There is doubt as to the enforceability against such persons in Mexico, whether in original actions or in actions to enforce judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities based solely on the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

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Developments in other countries may adversely affect the market for our securities.

The market value of securities of Mexican companies are, to varying degrees, influenced by economic and securities market conditions in other emerging market countries. Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reaction to developments in one country can have effects on the securities of issuers in other countries, including Mexico. We cannot assure you that events elsewhere, especially in emerging markets, will not adversely affect the market value of our securities.

The failure or inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or other distributions to us may adversely affect us and our ability to pay dividends to holders of ADSs.

FEMSA is a holding company. Accordingly, FEMSA’s cash flows are principally derived from dividends, interest and other distributions made to FEMSA by its subsidiaries. Currently, FEMSA’s subsidiaries do not have contractual obligations that require them to pay dividends to FEMSA. In addition, debt and other contractual obligations of our subsidiaries may in the future impose restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to make dividend or other payments to FEMSA, which in turn may adversely affect FEMSA’s ability to pay dividends to shareholders and meet its debt and other obligations.

Risks Related to Mexico and the Other Countries in Which We Operate

Adverse economic conditions in Mexico may adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

We are a Mexican corporation, and our Mexican operations are our single most important geographic segment. For the year ended December 31, 2006, 78% of our consolidated total revenues were attributable to Mexico. In the past, Mexico has experienced both prolonged periods of weak economic conditions and deteriorations in economic conditions that have had a negative impact on our company. We cannot assume that such conditions will not return or that such conditions will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.

Our business may be significantly affected by the general condition of the Mexican economy, or by the rate of inflation in Mexico, interest rates in Mexico and exchange rates for, or exchange controls affecting, the Mexican peso. Decreases in the growth rate of the Mexican economy, periods of negative growth and/or increases in inflation or interest rates may result in lower demand for our products, lower real pricing of our products or a shift to lower margin products. Because a large percentage of our costs and expenses are fixed, we may not be able to reduce costs and expenses upon the occurrence of any of these events, and our profit margins may suffer as a result. In addition, an increase in interest rates in Mexico would increase the cost to us of variable rate debt, which constituted 19.6% of our total debt as of December 31, 2006 (including the effect of interest rate swaps), and have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

Depreciation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

A depreciation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar would increase the cost to us of a portion of the raw materials we acquire, the price of which is paid in or determined with reference to U.S. dollars, and of our debt obligations denominated in U.S. dollars and thereby may negatively affect our financial position and results of operations. We generally do not hedge our exposure to the U.S. dollar with respect to the Mexican peso and other currencies. A severe devaluation or depreciation of the Mexican peso may also result in disruption of the international foreign exchange markets and may limit our ability to transfer or to convert Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars and other currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of interest and principal on our U.S.

 

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dollar-denominated debt or obligations in other currencies. While the Mexican government does not currently restrict, and since 1982 has not restricted, the right or ability of Mexican or foreign persons or entities to convert Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars or to transfer other currencies out of Mexico, the Mexican government could institute restrictive exchange rate policies in the future, as it has done in the past. Currency fluctuations may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

Political events in Mexico could adversely affect our operations.

Political events in Mexico may significantly affect our operations. In the Mexican federal elections held on July 2, 2000, Vicente Fox of the Partido Acción Nacional (the National Action Party) or PAN, won the presidency. Although his victory ended more than 70 years of presidential rule by the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (the Institutional Revolutionary Party) or PRI, neither the PRI nor the PAN succeeded in securing a majority in the Mexican congress. In elections in 2003 and 2004, the PAN lost additional seats in the Mexican congress and state governorships.

The July 2006 Mexican elections resulted in a change in administration, as presidential reelection is not permitted in Mexico. Felipe Calderón of the incumbent PAN party was elected President by a narrow margin, and the election results were challenged by the losing Partido de la Revolución Democrática (the Democratic Revolution Party) or PRD. The results were verified and ratified by all relevant formalities and President Calderón took office on December 1, 2006. The PAN controls a large percentage of the seats in both Federal legislative bodies, but requires building alliances with other parties to pass new laws and structural reforms. Potential legislative gridlock may adversely affect economic conditions in Mexico, and consequently, our results of operations.

Developments in other Latin American countries in which we operate may adversely affect our business.

In addition to conducting operations in Mexico, our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA conducts operations in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina and, beginning in 2006, our subsidiary FEMSA Cerveza also conducts operations in Brazil. These countries expose us to different or greater country risk than Mexico. For some of these countries, results of operations in recent years have been adversely affected by deteriorating macroeconomic and political conditions. In Venezuela, significant economic, legal and political instability, including currency devaluation, high unemployment, the introduction of exchange controls and social unrest have resulted in moderate disruptions in production and distribution, higher production costs and declining profitability for Coca-Cola FEMSA. In Brazil, presidential elections were held in 2006 and incumbent president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was reelected for a new four-year term. Although political and economic stability and country risk have improved significantly in Brazil, and currency has strengthened accordingly, we cannot assure you that these positive trends will continue in future periods.

Our future results may be significantly affected by the general economic and financial conditions in the countries where we operate, by the devaluation of the local currency, inflation or interest rates or by political developments or changes in law. Total revenues increased in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s non-Mexican territories at a higher rate relative to its Mexican territories in 2006 as compared to prior periods, resulting in a greater contribution to its results of operations from these territories, which also have a lower operating margin. Devaluation of the local currencies against the U.S. dollar may increase our operating costs in these countries, and depreciation against the Mexican peso may negatively affect the results of operations for these countries as reported in our Mexican Financial Reporting Standards financial statements. In addition, some of these countries may impose exchange controls that could impact our ability to purchase raw materials in foreign currencies and the ability of the subsidiaries in these countries to remit dividends abroad or make payments other than in local currencies, as is currently the case in Venezuela under regulations imposed in January 2003 that continue to apply. As a result of these potential risks, we may experience lower demand, lower real pricing or increases in costs, which may negatively impact our results of operations.

 

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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

The Company

Overview

We are a Mexican company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, and our origin dates back to 1890. Our company was incorporated on May 30, 1936 and has a duration of 99 years. Our legal name is Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V., and in commercial contexts we frequently refer to ourselves as FEMSA. On December 5, 2006, as required by the new Mexican Securities Law, we changed our name to reflect that we are a sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable (a variable capital listed stock corporation), whereas previously companies’ names in Mexico, including ours, did not indicate whether the company was a listed company (sociedad anónima de capital variable). Our principal executive offices are located at General Anaya No. 601 Pte., Colonia Bella Vista, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64410, Mexico. Our telephone number at this location is (52-81) 8328-6000. Our website is www.femsa.com. We are organized as a sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable under the laws of Mexico. Our agent in the U.S. is Donald Puglisi, 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, P.O. Box 885, Newark, Delaware 19715.

We conduct our operations through the following principal holding companies, each of which we refer to as a principal sub-holding company:

 

   

Coca-Cola FEMSA, which engages in the production, distribution and marketing of soft drinks;

 

   

FEMSA Cerveza, which engages in the production, distribution and marketing of beer; and

 

   

FEMSA Comercio, which operates convenience stores.

Corporate Background

FEMSA traces its origins to the establishment of Mexico’s first brewery, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as Cuauhtémoc, that was founded in 1890 by four Monterrey businessmen: Francisco G. Sada, José A. Muguerza, Isaac Garza and José M. Schneider. Descendants of certain of the founders of Cuauhtémoc control our company.

In 1891, the first year of production, Cuauhtémoc produced 2,000 hectoliters of beer. Cuauhtémoc continued to expand through additions to existing plant capacity and through acquisitions of other Mexican breweries, and has continued to increase its production capacity, reaching approximately 33.696 million hectoliters in 2006.

The strategic integration of our company dates back to 1936 when our packaging operations were established to supply crown caps to the brewery. The packaging operations were expanded in 1957 when we began to produce labels and flexible packaging. During this period, these operations were part of what was known as the Monterrey Group, which also included interests in banking, steel and other packaging operations.

In 1974, the Monterrey Group was split between two branches of the descendants of the founding families of Cuauhtémoc. The steel and other packaging operations formed the basis for the creation of Corporación Siderúrgica, S.A. (later Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V.), controlled by the Garza Sada family, and the beverage and banking operations were consolidated under the FEMSA corporate umbrella, controlled by the Garza Lagüera family. FEMSA’s shares were first listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange on September 19, 1978. Between 1977 and 1981, FEMSA diversified its operations through acquisitions in the soft drinks and mineral water industries, the establishment of the first convenience stores under the trade name Oxxo and other investments in the hotel, construction, auto parts, food and fishing industries, which were considered non-core businesses and were subsequently divested.

In August 1982, the Mexican government suspended payment on its international debt obligations and nationalized the Mexican banking system. In 1985, certain controlling shareholders of FEMSA acquired a controlling interest in Cervecería Moctezuma, S.A., which was then Mexico’s third-largest brewery and which we refer to as Moctezuma, and related companies in the packaging industry. FEMSA subsequently undertook an extensive corporate and financial restructuring that was completed in December 1988.

 

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Pursuant to the 1988 restructuring, FEMSA’s assets were combined under a single corporate entity, which became Grupo Industrial Emprex, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as Emprex. The debt restructuring included a capital increase, capitalization of debt and a divestiture of interests in non-core businesses. As a result of these transactions, FEMSA’s interest in Emprex was diluted to 60%, only to increase subsequently to approximately 68% as a result of the exercise of certain option rights by FEMSA.

In August 1991, FEMSA repurchased approximately 30% of its shares from a dissident minority shareholder. In October 1991, certain majority shareholders of FEMSA acquired a controlling interest in Bancomer, S.A., which we refer to as Bancomer. The investment in Bancomer was undertaken as part of the Mexican government’s reprivatization of the banking system, which had been nationalized in 1982. The Bancomer acquisition was financed in part by a subscription by Emprex’s shareholders, including FEMSA, of shares in Grupo Financiero Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. (currently Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.), which we refer to as BBVA Bancomer, the Mexican financial services holding company that was formed to hold a controlling interest in Bancomer. In February 1992, FEMSA offered Emprex’s shareholders the opportunity to exchange the BBVA Bancomer shares to which they were entitled for Emprex shares owned by FEMSA. As a result, FEMSA’s interest in Emprex declined to approximately 62%. In connection with these transactions, an 11% interest in Emprex was issued to a European portfolio investor. This reduced FEMSA’s interest in Emprex to approximately 51%. In August 1996, the shares of BBVA Bancomer that were received by FEMSA in the exchange with Emprex’s shareholders were distributed as a dividend to FEMSA’s shareholders.

Upon the completion of these transactions, Emprex began a series of strategic transactions to strengthen the competitive positions of its operating subsidiaries. These transactions included the sale of a 30% strategic interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA to a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company and a subsequent public offering of Coca-Cola FEMSA shares, both of which occurred in 1993, and the sale of a 22% strategic interest in FEMSA Cerveza to Labatt Brewing Company Limited, which we refer to as Labatt, in 1994. Labatt, which was later acquired by InBev S.A., or InBev (known at the time of the acquisition of Labatt as Interbrew), subsequently increased its interest in FEMSA Cerveza to 30%.

In 1998, we completed a reorganization that:

 

   

simplified our capital structure by converting our outstanding capital stock at the time of the reorganization into BD Units and B Units, and

 

   

united the shareholders of FEMSA and the former shareholders of Emprex at the same corporate level through an exchange offer that was consummated on May 11, 1998.

As part of the reorganization, FEMSA listed ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange representing BD Units, and listed the BD Units and its B Units on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Prior to the completion of the exchange offer, FEMSA owned 51.04% of the shares of Emprex. Upon the completion of the exchange offer, FEMSA owned 98.70% of the outstanding shares of Emprex, which amount increased to 99.99% through a tender offer by FEMSA for the remaining Emprex shares.

In July 2002, as a result of the split-up or escisión of Emprex, Compañía Internacional de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as CIBSA, was created as a new company to hold our interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA.

In May 2003, our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA expanded its operations throughout Latin America by acquiring 100% of Panamco, then the largest soft drink bottler in Latin America in terms of sales volume in 2002. Through its acquisition of Panamco, Coca-Cola FEMSA began producing and distributing Coca-Cola trademark beverages in additional territories in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil, along with bottled water, beer and other beverages in some of these territories. The Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiaries received Series D Shares in exchange for their equity interest in Panamco of approximately 25%.

On August 31, 2004, we consummated a series of transactions with InBev, Labatt and certain of their affiliates to terminate the existing arrangements between FEMSA Cerveza and Labatt. As a result of these transactions, FEMSA acquired 100% ownership of FEMSA Cerveza and previously existing arrangements among affiliates of FEMSA and InBev relating to governance, transfer of ownership and other matters with respect to

 

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FEMSA Cerveza were terminated. We paid InBev a total of US$ 1,245 million for its affiliates’ 30% interest in FEMSA Cerveza. Pursuant to agreements entered into on June 21, 2004, Heineken USA replaced Labatt USA LLC and Latrobe Brewing Company LLC, which we refer to collectively as Labatt USA, as the exclusive importer, marketer and distributor of FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States starting on January 1, 2005. On June 1, 2005, we consummated an equity offering of 80.5 million BD Units (including BD Units in the form of ADSs) and 52.78 million B units that resulted in net proceeds to us of US$ 700 million after underwriting spreads and commissions. We used the proceeds of the equity offering to refinance indebtedness incurred in connection with the transactions with InBev, Labatt and certain of their affiliates.

On January 13, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza acquired 68% of the equity of the Brazilian brewer Kaiser from the Molson Coors Brewing Company, or Molson Coors. FEMSA Cerveza paid US$ 68 million to Molson Coors to acquire 68% of Kaiser at closing. As part of the transaction to acquire Kaiser, FEMSA Cerveza received certain indemnity provisions from Molson Coors in respect of Kaiser’s existing financial debt of approximately US$ 60 million and other contingent liabilities and claims. Following this transaction, Molson Coors retained a 15% ownership stake in Kaiser, while Heineken N.V.’s previous ownership of 17% remained unchanged. In December 2006, Molson Coors completed its exit from Kaiser by exercising a put option for its 15% holding, pursuant to a right granted to it by FEMSA Cerveza at the time FEMSA Cerveza acquired Kaiser from Molson Coors in January 2006. On December 22, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza completed a capital increase of US$200 million in Kaiser, following the successful settlement of the contingent liabilities and claims in respect of Kaiser. Heineken N.V. elected not to participate in the increase, thereby diluting its 17% interest in Kaiser to 0.17%. As a result of these transactions, FEMSA Cerveza now holds a 99.83% participation in Kaiser.

On November 3, 2006, we acquired from certain subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company 148,000,000 Series D Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA through our subsidiary CIBSA, representing 8.02% of the total outstanding stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA. We acquired these shares at a price of US$ 2.888 per share, or US$ 427.4 million in the aggregate, pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding with The Coca-Cola Company. As of May 31, 2007, FEMSA indirectly owns 53.7% of the capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA (63.0% of its capital stock with full voting rights) and The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owns 31.6% of the capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA (37.0% of its capital stock with full voting rights). The remaining 14.7% of its capital consists of Series L Shares with limited voting rights, which trade on the Mexican Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of ADSs under the trading symbol KOF.

In December 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company agreed to acquire Jugos del Valle from its controlling shareholders through a 100% tender offer for an aggregate price of US$ 470 million, including the assumption of net existing debt of approximately US$ 90 million and subject to net capital and debt adjustments at closing. Upon closing of the transaction, Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company would jointly become the second largest juice producer in Mexico and the largest in Brazil, providing a platform for growth in the key non-carbonated beverages segment, which we would expect to outgrow all other beverage categories. If the acquisition closes, the remainder of the Coca-Cola bottler system in Mexico and Brazil would be invited to participate in the Jugos del Valle joint venture in their respective countries of operation under the same economic terms and conditions pursuant to which Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company entered into the transaction.

On June 25, 2007, the Comisión Federal de Competencia (CFC), or the Mexican Antitrust Commission, notified us of its decision to object to the acquisition of Jugos del Valle. We intend to consider our options with respect to the transaction, which may include seeking a reconsideration of the decision.

On March 7, 2007, Coca-Cola FEMSA issued Ps. 3,000 million in 5-year maturity bonds (certificados bursátiles), in part to finance the Jugos del Valle acquisition and in part to refinance certain bond maturities coming due in April 2007.

 

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Ownership Structure

We conduct our business through our principal sub-holding companies as shown in the following diagram and table:

Principal Sub-holding Companies—Ownership Structure

As of May 31, 2007

LOGO


(1)

Percentage of capital stock, equal to 63.0% of capital stock with full voting rights.

 

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The following tables present an overview of our operations by reportable segment and by geographic region under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards:

Operations by Segment—Overview

Year Ended December 31, 2006(1)(2)

 

     Coca-Cola FEMSA     FEMSA Cerveza     FEMSA Comercio  
    

(in millions of constant Mexican pesos,

except for employees and percentages)

 

Total revenues

   Ps. 57,738    44.8 %   Ps. 35,599    27.6 %   Ps. 35,500    27.6 %

Income from operations

     9,456    54.4       5,915    34.0       1,604    9.2  

Total assets

     75,024    51.6       58,588    40.2       11,865    8.2  

Employees

     56,682    58.0 %     23,201    23.7 %     11,452    11.7 %

Total Revenues Summary by Segment(1)

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 57,738    Ps. 53,997    Ps. 51,276

FEMSA Cerveza

     35,599      28,690      26,848

FEMSA Comercio

     35,500      29,898      24,556

Other

     7,678      6,250      5,610

Consolidated total revenues

   Ps. 126,427    Ps. 111,636    Ps. 102,316

Total Revenues Summary by Geographic Region(3)

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)

Mexico

   Ps. 95,795    Ps. 87,281    Ps. 79,634

Central America

     4,145      3,636      3,736

Colombia

     5,586      5,238      4,734

Venezuela

     6,536      5,875      5,563

Brazil

     11,340      6,650      5,865

Argentina

     3,281      3,090      2,871

Consolidated total revenues

   Ps. 126,427    Ps. 111,636    Ps. 102,316

(1) The sum of the financial data for each of our segments and percentages with respect thereto differ from our consolidated financial information due to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation, and certain assets and activities of FEMSA.

 

(2) Excludes our other business segment, which had total revenues of Ps. 7,678 million and income from operations of Ps. 415 million in 2006.

 

(3) The sum of the financial data for each geographic region differs from our consolidated financial information due to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Significant Subsidiaries

The following table sets forth our significant subsidiaries as of May 31, 2007:

 

Name of Company

   Jurisdiction of
Establishment
   Percentage
Owned
 

CIBSA

   Mexico    100.0 %

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Mexico    53.7 (1)

Propimex, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    53.7  

Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V. (Panamco)

   Mexico    53.7  

Panamco México, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    53.3  

Industria Nacional de Gaseosas, S.A. (holding company of Colombian operations).

   Colombia    52.5  

Kristine Oversease, S.A. de C.V. (holding company of Brazilian operations)

   Mexico    44.6  

Emprex Cerveza, S.A. de C.V. (Emprex Cerveza)

   Mexico    100.0  

FEMSA Cerveza

   Mexico    100.0  

Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100.0  

Cervezas Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100.0  

Emprex

   Mexico    100.0  

FEMSA Comercio

   Mexico    100.0  

Cadena Comercial Oxxo, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100.0  

Oxxo Express, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100.0  

(1) Percentage of capital stock. FEMSA owns 63.0% of the capital stock with full voting rights.

Business Strategy

We are a beverage company. Our soft drink operation, Coca-Cola FEMSA, is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in Latin America and the second largest in the world, measured in terms of sales volumes in 2006, and our brewing operation, FEMSA Cerveza, is both a significant competitor in the Mexican and Brazilian beer markets as well as an exporter in key international markets including the United States. Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza are our core businesses, which together define our identity and represent the avenues for our future growth. Our beverage businesses are enhanced by Oxxo, the largest convenience store chain in Mexico measured in terms of number of stores at December 31, 2006 and a significant growth driver in its own right.

As a beverage company, we understand the importance of connecting with our end consumers by interpreting their needs, and ultimately delivering the right products to them for the right occasions. We strive to achieve this by developing the value of our brands, expanding our significant distribution capabilities, including aligning our interests with those at our third-party distribution partners in the beer market in Mexico, which in some instances involve us acquiring these third-party partners, and improving the efficiency of our operations. We continue to improve our information gathering and processing systems in order to better know and understand what our consumers want and need, and we are improving our production and distribution by more efficiently leveraging our asset base.

We believe that the competencies that our businesses have developed can be replicated in other geographic regions. This underlying principle guided our consolidation efforts, which culminated in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s acquisition of Panamco on May 6, 2003. The continental platform that this new combination produces—encompassing a significant territorial expanse in Mexico and Central America, including some of the most populous metropolitan areas in Latin America—we believe may provide us with opportunities to create value through both an improved ability to execute our strategies and the use of superior marketing tools.

Our ultimate objectives are achieving sustainable revenue growth, improving profitability and increasing the return on invested capital in each of our operations. We believe that by achieving these goals we will create sustainable value for our shareholders.

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA

Overview and Background

Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Latin America, and the second largest in the world, calculated in each case by sales volume in 2006. It operates in the following territories:

 

   

Mexico – a substantial portion of central Mexico (including Mexico City) and southeast Mexico (including the Gulf region).

 

   

Central America – Guatemala (Guatemala City and surrounding areas), Nicaragua (nationwide), Costa Rica (nationwide) and Panama (nationwide).

 

   

Colombia – most of the country.

 

   

Venezuela – nationwide.

 

   

Argentina – Buenos Aires and surrounding areas.

 

   

Brazil – the area of greater São Paulo, Campinas, Santos, the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and part of the state of Goiás.

Coca-Cola FEMSA was organized on October 30, 1991 as a sociedad anónima de capital variable (a variable capital stock corporation) under the laws of Mexico with a duration of 99 years. On December 5, 2006, in response to the Mexican Securities Law, it became a sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable (a variable capital listed stock corporation). Its principal executive offices are located at Guillermo González Camarena No. 600, Col. Centro de Ciudad Santa Fé, Delegación Álvaro Obregón, México, D.F., 01210, México. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s telephone number at this location is (52-55) 5081-5100. Its website is www.coca-colafemsa.com.

The following is an overview of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operations by geographic region in 2006:

Operations by Geographic Region—Overview

Year Ended December 31, 2006(1)

 

     Total
Revenues
   Percentage of
Total Revenues
   Income from
Operations
   Percentage of Income
from Operations

Mexico

   Ps. 30,360    52.6    Ps. 6,390    67.6

Central America

     4,142    7.2      613    6.5

Colombia

     5,507    9.5      727    7.7

Venezuela

     6,532    11.3      169    1.8

Argentina

     3,281    5.7      419    4.4

Brazil

     7,916    13.7      1,138    12.0

(1)

Expressed in millions of Mexican pesos, except for percentages.

Corporate History

In 1979, one of our subsidiaries acquired certain soft drink bottlers that are now a part of Coca-Cola FEMSA. At that time, the acquired bottlers had 13 Mexican distribution centers operating 701 distribution routes, and their production capacity was 83 million physical cases. In 1991, we transferred our ownership in the bottlers to FEMSA Refrescos, S.A. de C.V., the corporate predecessor to Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V.

In June 1993, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company subscribed for 30% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock in the form of Series D Shares for US$ 195 million. In September 1993, we sold Series L Shares that represented 19% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock to the public, and Coca-Cola FEMSA listed these shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange and, in the form of ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

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In a series of transactions between 1994 and 1997, Coca-Cola FEMSA acquired the territory for its operations in Buenos Aires, Argentina from a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola FEMSA expanded its Argentine operations in February 1996 by acquiring territories for the contiguous San Isidro and Pilar areas.

Coca-Cola FEMSA expanded its Mexican operations in November 1997 by acquiring a territory in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico, after which it covered the entire state of Chiapas.

In May 2003, it acquired Panamco and began producing and distributing Coca-Cola trademark beverages in additional territories in the central and the gulf regions of Mexico and in Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama), Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil, along with bottled water, beer and other beverages in some of these territories. As a result of the acquisition, the interest of The Coca-Cola Company in the capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA increased from 30% to 39.6%.

During August 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA conducted a rights offering to allow existing holders of its Series L Shares and ADSs to acquire newly-issued Series L Shares in the form of Series L Shares and ADSs, respectively. The purpose of the rights offering was to permit holders of Series L Shares, including in the form of ADSs, to subscribe on a proportionate basis at the same price per share at which FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company subscribed in connection with the Panamco acquisition. The rights offering expired on September 1, 2004. On March 8, 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s shareholders approved the non-cancellation of the 98,684,857 Series L Shares (equivalent to approximately 9.87 million ADSs) that were not subscribed for in the rights offering. These shares are available for issuance in connection with future transactions and on terms and conditions determined by Coca-Cola FEMSA’s board of directors at an issuance price of no less than US$ 2.216 per share or its equivalent in Mexican currency.

On November 3, 2006, we acquired, through a subsidiary, 148,000,000 of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Series D Shares from certain subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company representing 9.4% of the total outstanding voting shares and 8.0% of the total outstanding equity of Coca-Cola FEMSA, at a price of US$ 2.888 per share for an aggregate amount of US$ 427.4 million. The acquisition of such additional shares took place pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company relating to the acquisition of Panamco by Coca-Cola FEMSA in 2003. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders—The Coca-Cola Memorandum.” With this purchase, we increased our ownership to 53.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock. Pursuant to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws, the acquired shares were converted from Series D Shares to Series A Shares.

On December 19, 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company announced an agreement with the controlling shareholders of Jugos del Valle to conduct a public tender offer in Mexico of up to 100% of the outstanding public shares of Jugos del Valle for approximately US$380 million in cash. The price assumes a total aggregate value of US$470 million and that Jugos del Valle has approximately US$90 million in net debt. The final price to be paid would be based on the actual level of debt, net working capital and other liabilities on the date the tender offer is launched. The tender offer would be launched once applicable regulatory approvals were obtained. Coca-Cola FEMSA anticipates that, if the transaction closes, other bottlers in Mexico and Brazil would be invited to participate subsequent to the completion of the acquisition on the same basic terms and conditions.

On June 25, 2007 the Comisión Federal de Competencia of Mexico (CFC), or the Mexican Antitrust Commission, notified us of its decision to object to the acquisition of Jugos del Valle. We intend to consider our options with respect to the transaction, which may include seeking a reconsideration of the decision.

Jugos del Valle is the second largest producer of packaged juices, nectars and fruit flavored beverages in Mexico, the largest producer in Brazil of such products, and it has a presence in other Latin American markets. Jugos del Valle generated approximately US$440 million in total revenues for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2006. If consummated, the transaction would greatly increase Coca-Cola FEMSA’s and The Coca-Cola Company’s presence in the non-carbonated beverage segment in Latin America. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals, which were not granted upon initial review by the CFC.

 

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As of March 31, 2007, we indirectly owned Series A Shares equal to 53.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock (63.0% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock with full voting rights), and The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owned Series D Shares equal to 31.6% of the capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA (37.0% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock with full voting rights). Series L Shares with limited voting rights, which trade on the Mexican Stock Exchange and in the form of ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, constitute the remaining 14.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock.

Business Strategy

Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Latin America in terms of total sales volume in 2006, with operations in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil. While Coca-Cola FEMSA’s corporate headquarters are in Mexico City, it has established divisional headquarters in the following three regions:

 

   

Mexico with headquarters in Mexico City;

 

   

Latin Centro (covering territories in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela) with headquarters in San José, Costa Rica; and

 

   

Mercosur (covering territories in Argentina and Brazil) with headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil.

Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to provide its shareholders with an attractive return on their investment by increasing its profitability. The key factors in achieving profitability are increasing its revenues by (1) implementing multi-segmentation strategies in its major markets to target distinct market clusters divided by competitive intensity and socioeconomic levels; (2) implementing well-planned product, packaging and pricing strategies through channel distribution; and (3) achieving operational efficiencies throughout Coca-Cola FEMSA. To achieve these goals Coca-Cola FEMSA continues its efforts in:

 

   

working with The Coca-Cola Company to develop a business model to continue exploring new lines of beverages, extend existing products, participate in new beverage segments and effectively advertise and market its products;

 

   

developing and expanding its non-carbonated beverage portfolio organically and through strategic acquisitions together with The Coca-Cola Company;

 

   

implementing packaging strategies designed to increase consumer demand for its products and to build a strong returnable base for the Coca-Cola brand selectively;

 

   

replicating its successful best practices throughout the whole value chain;

 

   

rationalizing and adapting its organizational and asset structure in order to be in a better position to respond to a changing competitive environment;

 

   

strengthening its selling capabilities and selectively implementing its pre-sale system, in order to get closer to its clients and help them satisfy the beverage needs of consumers;

 

   

evaluating its bottled water strategy, in conjunction with The Coca-Cola Company, to maximize its profitability across its market territories;

 

   

committing to building a strong collaborative team, from top to bottom; and

 

   

seeking to expand its geografical footprint.

Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to increase per capita consumption of soft drinks in the territories in which it operates. To that end, its marketing teams continuously develop sales strategies tailored to the different characteristics of its various territories and channels. Coca-Cola FEMSA continues to develop its product portfolio to better meet market demand and maintain its overall profitability. To stimulate and respond to consumer demand, it continues to introduce new products and new presentations. See “—Product and Packaging Mix.” It also seeks to increase placement of refrigeration equipment, including promotional displays, through the

 

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strategic placement of such equipment in retail outlets in order to showcase and promote its products. In addition, because Coca-Cola FEMSA views its relationship with The Coca-Cola Company as integral to its business strategy, it uses market information systems and strategies developed with The Coca-Cola Company to improve its coordination with the worldwide marketing efforts of The Coca-Cola Company. See “—Marketing—Channel Marketing.”

Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to rationalize its manufacturing and distribution capacity to improve the efficiency of its operations. In 2003 and 2004, as part of the integration process from its acquisition of Panamco, it closed several under-utilized manufacturing centers and shifted distribution activities to other existing facilities. Coca-Cola FEMSA closed additional distribution centers in 2005 and 2006. See “—Description of Property, Plant and Equipment.” In each of its facilities, Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to increase productivity through infrastructure and process reengineering for improved asset utilization. Its capital expenditure program includes investments in production and distribution facilities, bottles, cases, coolers and information systems. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that this program will allow it to maintain its capacity and flexibility to innovate and to respond to consumer demand for non-alcoholic beverages.

Finally, Coca-Cola FEMSA focuses on management quality as a key element of its growth strategies and remains committed to fostering the development of quality management at all levels. Both our company and The Coca-Cola Company provide Coca-Cola FEMSA with managerial experience. To build upon these skills, Coca-Cola FEMSA also offers management training programs designed to enhance its executives’ abilities, exchange experiences, know-how and talent among an increasing number of multinational executives from its new and existing territories.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Markets

The following map shows the locations of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories, giving estimates in each case of the population to which it offers products, the number of retailers of its carbonated soft drinks and the per capita consumption of its carbonated soft drinks:

 

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LOGO

Per capita consumption data for a territory is determined by dividing carbonated soft drink sales volume within the territory (in bottles, cans, and fountain containers) by the estimated population within such territory, and is expressed on the basis of the number of eight-ounce servings of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products consumed annually per capita. In evaluating the development of local volume sales in its territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company measure, among other factors, the per capita consumption of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s carbonated soft-drinks.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Products

Coca-Cola FEMSA produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages, proprietary brands and brands licensed from third parties. The Coca-Cola trademark beverages include colas, flavored soft drinks, water and beverages in other categories such as juice drinks and isotonics. The following table sets forth Coca-Cola FEMSA’s main brands as of March 31, 2007:

 

Colas:

   Mexico   

Central

America

   Colombia    Venezuela    Brazil    Argentina

Coca-Cola

   ü      ü      ü      ü      ü      ü  

Coca-Cola light

   ü      ü      ü      ü      ü      ü  

 

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Flavored Soft Drinks:

   Mexico   

Central

America

   Colombia    Venezuela    Brazil    Argentina

Chinotto

            ü        

Crush

         ü            ü  

Fanta

   ü      ü      ü         ü      ü  

Fresca

   ü                 

Frescolita

      ü         ü        

Hit

            ü        

Kuat

               ü     

Lift

   ü      ü      ü           

Mundet(1)

   ü                 

Premio(2)

         ü           

Quatro

         ü            ü  

Simba

               ü     

Sprite

   ü      ü      ü         ü      ü  

Taí

               ü      ü  

 

Water:

   Mexico    Central
America
   Colombia    Venezuela    Brazil    Argentina

Alpina(2)

      ü              

Ciel

   ü                 

Crystal(2)

               ü     

Manantial

         ü           

Nevada

            ü        

Santa Clara(2)

         ü           

 

Other Categories:

   Mexico    Central
America
   Colombia    Venezuela    Brazil    Argentina

Dasani(3)

      ü      ü            ü  

Hi-C(4)

      ü               ü  

Nestea

   ü      ü         ü      ü     

Powerade(5)

   ü      ü      ü      ü        

Sonfil(4)

            ü        

(1) Brand licensed from FEMSA.

 

(2) Proprietary brand.

 

(3) Flavored no-calorie water. (In Argentina also as still water)

 

(4) Juice based drink.

 

(5) Isotonic.

Sales Overview

Coca-Cola FEMSA measures total sales volume in terms of unit cases. Unit case refers to 192 ounces of finished beverage product (24 eight-ounce servings) and, when applied to fountain syrup, powders and concentrate, refers to the volume of fountain syrup, powders and concentrate that is required to produce 192 ounces of finished beverage product. The following table illustrates Coca-Cola FEMSA’s historical sales volume for each of its territories.

 

    

Sales Volume

Year Ended December 31,

     2006    2005    2004
     (millions of unit cases)

Mexico

   1,070.7    1,025.0    989.9

Central America

   120.3    109.4    110.6

Colombia

   190.9    179.7    167.1

Venezuela

   182.6    172.5    172.7

Argentina

   164.9    150.1    144.3

Brazil

   268.7    252.5    227.5
              

Combined Volume

   1,998.1    1,889.2    1,812.1

 

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Product and Packaging Mix

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most important brand is Coca-Cola and its line extensions, Coca-Cola light, Coca-Cola light caffeine free and Coca-Cola light with lime, which together accounted for 62.5% of total sales volume in 2006. Ciel (including jug presentations), Fanta, Sprite, Lift and Fresca, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s next largest brands in consecutive order, accounted for 10.5%, 6.1%, 3.0%, 1.9% and 1.7%, respectively, of total sales volume in 2006. Coca-Cola FEMSA uses the term line extensions to refer to the different flavors in which it offers its brands. Coca-Cola FEMSA produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in each of its territories in containers authorized by The Coca-Cola Company, which consist of a variety of returnable and non-returnable presentations in the form of glass bottles, cans and plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephtalate, which it refers to as PET.

Coca-Cola FEMSA uses the term presentation to refer to the packaging unit in which it sells its products. Presentation sizes for our Coca-Cola trademark beverages range from a 4-ounce personal size to a 20-liter multiple serving size. Coca-Cola FEMSA considers a multiple serving size as equal to or larger than 1.0 liter. In general, personal sizes have a higher price per unit case as compared to multiple serving sizes. Coca-Cola FEMSA offers both returnable and non-returnable presentations, which allows it to offer different combinations of convenience and price to implement revenue management strategies and to target specific distribution channels and population segments in its territories. In addition, it sells some Coca-Cola trademark beverage syrups in containers designed for soda fountain use, which it refers to as fountain. Coca-Cola FEMSA also sells bottled water products in jug sizes, which refers to sizes larger than 17 liters, that have a much lower price per unit than its other beverage products.

In addition to Coca-Cola trademark beverages, Coca-Cola FEMSA produces, markets and distributes certain other proprietary brands and beverages licensed from third parties other than The Coca-Cola Company in a variety of presentations.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s core brands are principally the Coca-Cola trademark beverages. It sells certain of these brands or their line extensions at a premium in some of our territories, in which it refers to them as premium brands. Coca-Cola FEMSA also sells certain other brands at a lower price per ounce, which it refers to as value protection brands.

The characteristics of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories are very diverse. Central Mexico and Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories in Argentina are densely populated and have a large number of competing carbonated soft drink brands as compared to the rest of our territories. Brazil is densely populated but has lower per capita consumption of carbonated soft drink products as compared to Mexico. Portions of Central America and Colombia are large and mountainous areas with lower population density, lower per capita income and lower per capita consumption of soft drink products. In Venezuela, per capita consumption of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products has improved in spite of operating disruptions faced in 2006.

The following discussion analyzes Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product and packaging mix by segment. The volume data presented is for the years 2006, 2005 and 2004.

Mexico. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio consists of Coca-Cola trademark beverages, and since 2001 has included the Mundet trademark beverages. In 2007, as part of its efforts to revitalize the Coca-Cola brand Coca-Cola FEMSA launched Coca-Cola Zero, a line extension of the Coca-Cola brand. Carbonated soft drink per capita consumption of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products in its Mexican territories in 2006 was 410 eight-ounce servings.

 

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The following table highlights historical sales volume and mix in Mexico for its products:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (millions of unit cases)  

Product Sales Volume

  

Total

   1,070.7     1,025.0     989.9  

% Growth

   4.5 %   3.5 %   (1.2 )%
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   79.6 %   79.6 %   80.4 %

Water(1)

   19.5     19.7     19.1  

Other Categories

   0.9     0.7     0.5  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

  

Returnable

   26.0 %   26.6 %   28.4 %

Non-returnable and fountain

   59.2     58.4     57.2  

Jug

   14.8     15.0     14.4  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

(1) Includes jug volume.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most popular soft drink presentations were the 2.5-liter returnable plastic bottle, the 0.6-liter non-returnable plastic bottle and the 2.5-liter non-returnable plastic bottle, which together accounted for 55% of total carbonated soft drink sales volume in Mexico in 2006. Since 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA has introduced a number of new presentations in Mexico. These include 2.5-liter returnable plastic bottles, 1.25-liter returnable glass bottles, 1.5-liter non-returnable plastic bottles, 8, 10.5 and 16-ounce cans, 0.45-liter non-returnable plastic bottles, 0.71-liter non-returnable plastic bottles and 4-ounce non-returnable glass bottles. During 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA complemented its portfolio in the returnable presentations with the roll-out of a 1.25-liter returnable glass presentation at an affordable price. This presentation accounted for over 30% of its incremental volume in the year. Multiple serving presentations are an important component of its product mix. In 2006, multiple serving presentations represented 63.4% of total carbonated soft drink sales volume in Mexico, representing 6.8% growth as compared to 2005. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s commercial strategies seek to foster consumption in single serving presentations while maintaining multiple serving volumes.

In the past, the packaging trend in the soft drink industry in Mexico had moved toward non-returnable presentations. However, in 2004, due to the entrance of low price brands in multiple serving size presentations, Coca-Cola FEMSA refocused its packaging mix strategy to reinforce its sales of multiple serving size returnable packages. As a result, carbonated soft drink non-returnable presentations remained almost flat as a percentage of total sales volume in Mexico in 2004. In 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s carbonated soft drink non-returnable presentations slightly increased as a percentage of its total sales volume from 68.7% in 2005 to 69.5% in 2006. Returnable plastic and glass presentations offer consumers a more affordable, although less convenient, product. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes returnable packages present an opportunity to attract new customers and maintain customer loyalty, because they make Coca-Cola trademark beverages more attractive to price-sensitive consumers. The price of a 2.5-liter returnable package is normally more than 14% lower than a non-returnable package of the same size. These returnable products are mainly sold to small store retailers, which represent the largest distribution channel in the Mexican market, and benefit from returnable bottles’ lower price per ounce, which allows them to compete with larger supermarkets. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that its continued commitment to returnable bottle availability will allow it to compete with low-price entrants to the Mexican soft drink market.

Total sales volume reached 1,070.7 million unit cases in 2006, an increase of 4.5% compared to 1,025.0 million unit cases in 2005. Carbonated soft drink sales volume grew 4.4%, accounting for almost 80% of the total incremental volumes during the year. Carbonated soft drink volume growth was mainly driven by strong growth of the Coca-Cola brand.

 

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Central America. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product sales in Central America consist predominantly of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. In 2006, the per capita consumption of carbonated Coca-Cola soft drink products in Central America was 151 eight-ounce servings.

The following table highlights historical total sales volume and sales volume mix in Central America:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
      (millions of unit cases)  

Product Sales Volume

  

Total

   120.3     109.4     110.6  

% Growth

   10.0 %   (1.1 )%   3.1 %
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   90.9 %   93.6 %   94.3 %

Water

   4.4     4.3     4.1  

Other Categories

   4.7     2.1     1.6  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

  

Returnable

   34.9 %   41.9 %   48.3 %

Non-returnable and fountain

   65.1     58.1     51.7  

Jug

   —       —       —    
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

In Central America, Coca-Cola FEMSA sells the majority of its sales volume through small retailers. In 2006, multiple serving presentations represented 50.6% of total carbonated soft drink sales volume in Central America, compared with 48.8% in 2005. Beginning in 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA faced greater competition as a result of the entrance of low price brands in the Central American region. As a result, Coca-Cola FEMSA reinforced its packaging portfolio offering for the Coca-Cola brand with the introduction of 1.5-liter and 2.5-liter non-returnable plastic bottles and a more affordable 2.5-liter returnable plastic bottle. In 2006, looking for a higher participation in the growing non-carbonated beverage segment, Coca-Cola FEMSA complemented its product portfolio with the inclusion of Hi-C, a juice based product.

Total sales volume was 120.3 million unit cases in 2006, increasing 10.0% compared to 109.4 million in 2005. Carbonated soft drink volumes in the year accounted for 60% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total incremental volume and non-carbonated beverages were the majority of the balance.

Colombia. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio in Colombia consists of Coca-Cola trademark beverages, certain products sold under proprietary trademarks and other brands, which Coca-Cola FEMSA licenses from third parties. In 2006, the per capita consumption of carbonated Coca-Cola soft drink products in Colombia was 87 eight-ounce servings.

 

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The following table highlights historical total sales volume and sales volume mix in Colombia:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
      (millions of unit cases)  

Product Sales Volume

  

Total

   190.9     179.7     167.1  

% Growth

   6.2 %   7.5 %   (2.7 )%
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   87.9 %   87.9 %   86.4 %

Water(1)

   10.9     11.7     13.2  

Other Categories

   1.2     0.4     0.4  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

  

Returnable

   43.2 %   46.2 %   50.7 %

Non-returnable and fountain

   51.3     47.8     42.9  

Jug

   5.5     6.0     6.4  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

(1) Includes jug volume.

The Colombian market is characterized by lower per capita consumption and relatively lower levels of non-returnable presentations compared with the rest of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories. In 2006, multiple serving presentations represented 52.3% of total carbonated soft drink sales volume in Colombia. At the beginning of 2005, Coca-Cola FEMSA launched Crush Multiflavors to enhance its competitive position, foster demand for flavored carbonated soft drink brands and leverage its extended distribution and improved execution capabilities countrywide. In 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA launched Dasani, a no-calorie flavored water to complement its product portfolio.

Total sales volume was 190.9 million unit cases in 2006, an increase of 6.2% compared to 179.7 million in 2005, driven by carbonated soft drinks volume growth, which accounted for almost 90% of total incremental volumes.

Venezuela. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio in Venezuela consists predominantly of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. In 2006, the per capita consumption of carbonated Coca-Cola soft drink products in Venezuela was 147 eight-ounce servings.

 

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The following table highlights historical total sales volume and sales volume mix in Venezuela:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (millions of unit cases)  

Product Sales Volume

  

Total

   182.6     172.5     172.7  
                  

% Growth

   5.9 %   (0.1 )%   13.9 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   87.7 %   86.6 %   86.3 %

Water(1)

   7.5     8.7     8.2  

Other Categories

   4.8     4.7     5.5  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

  

Returnable

   17.5 %   24.7 %   30.1 %

Non-returnable and fountain

   81.2     72.2     66.4  

Jug

   1.3     3.1     3.5  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

(1) Includes jug volume.

During 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA continued facing periodic operating difficulties that prevented it from producing and distributing enough supply. Coca-Cola FEMSA implemented a product portfolio rationalization strategy in the second half of the year, which enabled it to increase its total sales volume for the year by 5.9%.

In 2006, multiple serving presentations represented 69.1% of total carbonated soft drink sales volume in Venezuela. Total sales volume was 182.6 million unit cases in 2006, an increase of 5.9% compared to 172.5 million in 2005, driven by volume growth in the carbonated soft drink segment. In 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA focused on fostering volume growth of its core flavored carbonated soft drinks, posting a 13% growth for the year in this category. These incremental volumes, combined with volume growth of the Coca-Cola brand, more than offset volume decline of the value protection brands.

Argentina. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio in Argentina consists exclusively of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. In 2006, the per capita consumption of carbonated Coca-Cola soft drink products was 351 eight-ounce servings.

The following table highlights historical total sales volume and sales volume mix in Argentina:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
   (millions of unit cases)  

Product Sales Volume

  

Total

   164.9     150.1     144.3  
                  

% Growth

   9.8 %   4.0 %   14.0 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   96.6 %   97.3 %   98.6 %

Water

   1.2     1.4     0.8  

Other Categories

   2.2     1.3     0.6  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

  

Returnable

   24.7 %   25.9 %   26.9 %

Non-returnable and fountain

   75.3     74.1     73.1  

Jug

   —       —       —    
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

 

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During 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s packaging mix continues shifting towards non-returnable presentations. Returnable packaging accounted for 24.7% of total sales volume in Argentina in 2006 as compared to 25.9% in 2005. In 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA introduced Dasani, a no-calorie flavored water to complement its non-carbonated beverage portfolio.

Total sales volume reached 164.9 million unit cases in 2006, an increase of 9.8% compared with 150.1 million in 2005. In 2006, core and premium brands incremental volumes more than offset volume decline of the value protection brands. In Argentina, premium brands consist of diet carbonated soft drinks and Schweppes. The majority of the volume growth came from Coca-Cola FEMSA’s non-returnable presentations, which represented over 65% of the sales volume increase. In 2006, multiple serving presentations for the carbonated soft drinks remained almost flat at 83.7% as compared to 83.4% in 2005.

Brazil. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio in Brazil consists mainly of Coca-Cola trademark beverages and certain products sold under proprietary trademarks and the Kaiser beer brand, which it sells and distributes on behalf of FEMSA. In 2006, the per capita consumption of carbonated Coca-Cola soft drink products in Brazil was 196 eight-ounce servings.

The following table highlights historical total sales volume and sales volume mix in Brazil:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (millions of unit cases)  

Product Sales Volume

  

Total

   268.7     252.5     227.5  
                  

% Growth

   6.4 %   11.0 %   4.8 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   91.7 %   92.3 %   93.4 %

Water

   7.3     6.9     5.8  

Other Categories

   1.0     0.8     0.8  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  
     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

  

Returnable

   10.5 %   8.7 %   5.3 %

Non-returnable and fountain

   89.5     91.3     94.7  

Jug

   —       —       —    
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

During 2006, consistent with its strategy of strengthening its returnable base, Coca-Cola FEMSA introduced Fanta in a 1.0-liter returnable glass bottle, which together with the rest of the returnable portfolio accounted for almost 40% of its incremental carbonated soft drinks volumes during the year.

Total sales volume was 268.7 million unit cases in 2006, an increase of 6.4% compared to 252.5 million in 2005. This increase included 5.7% carbonated soft drink volume growth during the year. Volume increase was a result of volume growth across all our beverage categories, including strong volume growth from the Coca-Cola brand in both returnable and non-returnable presentations, and incremental volumes from our water brand Crystal due to increased focus on both brands. In 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA introduced Minute Maid Mais, a juice based product to complement our product portfolio.

Coca-Cola FEMSA sells and distributes the Kaiser brands of beer in its territories in Brazil. In January 2006, FEMSA Cerveza acquired an indirect controlling stake in Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A. or Cervejarias Kaiser. Coca-Cola FEMSA has subsequently agreed to continue to distribute the Kaiser beer portfolio and to assume the sales function in São Paulo, Brazil, consistent with the arrangements in place prior to 2004.

 

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Seasonality

Sales of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products are seasonal, as its sales levels generally increase during the summer months of each country and during the Christmas holiday season. In Mexico, Central America, Colombia and Venezuela, Coca-Cola FEMSA typically achieves its highest sales during the summer months of April through September as well as during the Christmas holidays in December. In Argentina and Brazil, its highest sales levels occur during the summer months of October through March and the Christmas holidays in December.

Marketing

Coca-Cola FEMSA, in conjunction with The Coca-Cola Company, has developed a sophisticated marketing strategy to promote the sale and consumption of its products. It relies extensively on advertising, sales promotions and non-price related retailer incentive programs designed by local affiliates of The Coca-Cola Company to target the particular preferences of its soft drink consumers. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s marketing expenses in 2006, net of contributions by The Coca-Cola Company, were Ps. 2,140 million. The Coca-Cola Company contributed an additional Ps. 1,164 million in 2006. Through the use of advanced information technology, Coca-Cola FEMSA has collected customer and consumer information that allows it to tailor its marketing strategies to the types of customers located in each of its territories and to meet the specific needs of the various market segments it serves.

Retailer Incentive Programs. Incentive programs include providing retailers with commercial coolers for the display and cooling of soft drink products and for point-of-sale display materials. Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks, in particular, to increase the number of distribution coolers among retailers to increase the visibility and consumption of its products and to ensure that they are sold at the proper temperature. Sales promotions include sponsorship of community activities, sporting, cultural and social events, and consumer sales promotions such as contests, sweepstakes and product giveaways.

Advertising. Coca-Cola FEMSA advertises in all major communications media. It focuses its advertising efforts on increasing brand recognition by consumers and improving its customer relations. National advertising campaigns are designed and proposed by The Coca-Cola Company’s local affiliates, with Coca-Cola FEMSA’s input at the local or regional level.

Channel Marketing. In order to provide more dynamic and specialized marketing of its products, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s strategy is to segment its market and develop targeted efforts for each segment or distribution channel. Its principal channels are small retailers, “on-premise” consumption such as restaurants and bars, supermarkets and third party distributors. Presence in these channels entails a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the purchasing patterns and preferences of various groups of soft drink consumers in each of the different types of locations or distribution channels. In response to this analysis, Coca-Cola FEMSA tailors its product, price, packaging and distribution strategies to meet the particular needs of and exploit the potential of each channel.

Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that the implementation of its channel marketing strategy also enables it to respond to competitive initiatives with channel-specific responses as opposed to market-wide responses. This focused response capability isolates the effects of competitive pressure in a specific channel, thereby avoiding costlier market-wide responses. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s channel marketing activities are facilitated by its management information systems. It has invested significantly in creating these systems, including in hand-held computers to support the gathering of product, consumer and delivery information, for most of its sales routes in Mexico and Argentina and selectively in other territories.

Multi-segmentation. Coca-Cola FEMSA has been implementing a multi-segmentation strategy in the majority of its markets. This strategy consists on the implementation of different product/price/package portfolios by market cluster or group. These clusters are defined based on competitive intensity and socio-economic levels, rather than solely on the types of distribution channels. Coca-Cola FEMSA has developed a market intelligence

 

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system that it refers to as the right-execution-daily system (RED), which has allowed it to implement this strategy. This system provides the data required to target specific consumer segments and channels and allows it to collect and analyze the data required to tailor its product, package, price and distribution strategies to fit different consumer needs.

Product Distribution

The following table provides an overview of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product distribution centers and the retailers to which it sells its products:

Product Distribution Summary

as of December 31, 2006

 

     Mexico    Central
America
   Colombia    Venezuela    Argentina    Brazil

Distribution Centers

   92    28    37    32    5    12

Retailers (in thousands)(1)

   624.1    115.7    381.1    224.2    79.1    122.3

(1) Estimated.

Coca-Cola FEMSA uses two main sales methods depending on market and geographic conditions: (1) the traditional or conventional truck route system, in which the person in charge of the delivery makes immediate sales from inventory available on the truck and (2) the pre-sale system, which separates the sales and delivery functions and allows sales personnel to sell products prior to delivery and trucks to be loaded with the mix of products that retailers have previously ordered, thereby increasing distribution efficiency. As part of the pre-sale system, sales personnel also provide merchandising services during retailer visits, which Coca-Cola FEMSA believes enhance the presentation of its products at the point of sale. In certain areas, it also makes sales through third party wholesalers of its products. The vast majority of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales are on a cash basis.

Coca-Cola FEMSA continually evaluates its distribution model in order to fit with the local dynamics of the market place. It is currently analyzing the way we go to market, recognizing different service needs from its customers, while looking for a more efficient distribution model. As part of this strategy, it is rolling out a variety of new distribution models throughout its territories looking for improvements in its distribution network.

Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that service visits to retailers and frequency of deliveries are essential elements in an effective selling and distribution system for its products. Accordingly, Coca-Cola FEMSA has continued to expand its pre-sale system throughout its operations in a selective way.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s distribution centers range from large warehousing facilities and re-loading centers to small deposit centers. In addition to its fleet of trucks, it distributes its products in certain locations through a fleet of electric carts and hand-trucks in order to comply with local environmental and traffic regulations. Coca-Cola FEMSA generally retains third parties to transport its finished products from the bottler plants to the distribution centers.

Mexico. Coca-Cola FEMSA contracts with one of our subsidiaries for the transportation of finished products to its distribution centers from its Mexican production facilities. From the distribution centers, Coca-Cola FEMSA then distributes its finished products to retailers through its own fleet of trucks. During 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA closed 14 out of 106 distribution centers in its Mexican operations.

In Mexico, Coca-Cola FEMSA sells a majority of its beverages at small retail stores to customers who take the beverages home or elsewhere for consumption. It also sells products through the “on-premise” segment, supermarkets and others. The “on-premise” segment consists of sales through sidewalk stands, restaurants, bars and various types of dispensing machines as well as sales through point-of-sale programs in concert halls, auditoriums and theaters.

 

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Central America. Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes its finished products to retailers through a combination of its own fleet of trucks and third party distributors. At the end of 2006, it operated 28 distribution centers in its Central American territories. As in most of its territories, in Central American operations, an important part of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total sales volume is through small retailers, and it has low supermarket penetration.

Colombia. Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes its finished products to retailers through a combination of its own fleet of trucks and third party distributors. During 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA closed five distribution facilities in Colombia. This territory also has low supermarket penetration, which means an important part of our total sales volume is through small retailers.

Venezuela. Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes its finished products to retailers through a combination of its own fleet of trucks and third party distributors. Its Venezuelan operations distribute a significant part of total sales through small retailers and supermarkets, which in most of its operations have a less significant presence.

Argentina. As of December 31, 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA operated 5 distribution centers in Argentina. It distributes its finished products to retailers through a combination of its own fleet of trucks and third party distributors.

In 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA sold the majority of its products in the take-home segment, which consists of sales to consumers who take the beverages home or elsewhere for consumption. The percentage of total sales volume through supermarkets remained stable at 14.6% in 2006 from 14.3% in 2005.

Brazil. In Brazil, the delivery of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s finished products to customers is by a third party. At the end of 2006, it operated 12 distribution facilities in its Brazilian territories. In contrast with the rest of its territories, which have low supermarket penetration, in Brazil Coca-Cola FEMSA sold more than 20% of its total sales volume through supermarkets in 2006. In addition, in designated zones, third-party distributors purchase its products at a discount from the wholesale price and resell the products to retailers.

Competition

Although Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that its products enjoy wider recognition and greater consumer loyalty than those of its principal competitors, the soft drink segments in the territories in which it operates are highly competitive. Its principal competitors are local bottlers of Pepsi and other bottlers and distributors of national and regional soft drink brands. It faces increased competition in many of its territories from producers of low price beverages, commonly referred to as “B brands.” A number of its competitors in Central America, Argentina and Brazil offer both soft drinks and beer, which may enable them to achieve distribution efficiencies.

Recently, price discounting and packaging have joined consumer sales promotions, customer service and non-price retailer incentives as the primary means of competition among soft drink bottlers. Coca-Cola FEMSA competes by seeking to offer products at an attractive price in the different segments in its markets and by building on the value of its brands. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that the introduction of new products and new presentations has been a significant competitive technique that allows it to increase demand for its products, provide different options to consumers and increase new consumption opportunities.

Mexico. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s principal competitors in Mexico are bottlers of Pepsi products, whose territories overlap but are not co-extensive with its own. In central Mexico it competes with a subsidiary of PBG, the largest bottler of Pepsi products globally, and Grupo Embotelladores Unidos, S.A.B. de C.V., the Pepsi bottler in central and southeast Mexico. In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes with Cadbury Schweppes and with other national and regional brands in its Mexican territories. It continues to face competition from low price producers offering multiple serving size presentations in the soft drink industry.

 

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Central America. In the countries that comprise its Central America segment, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s main competitors are Pepsi bottlers. In Guatemala and Nicaragua, it competes against a joint venture between AmBev and The Central American Bottler Corporation. In Costa Rica, its principal competitor is Embotelladora Centroamericana, S.A., and in Panama, its main competitor is Refrescos Nacionales, S.A. During 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA continued to face competition from low price producers offering multiple serving size presentations in some Central American countries.

Colombia. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s principal competitor in Colombia is Postobón S.A., which we refer to as Postobón, a well-established local bottler that sells flavored soft drinks, some of which have a wide consumption preference, such as cream soda, which is the second most popular category in the Colombian soft drink industry in terms of total sales volume, and that also sells Pepsi products. Postobón is a vertically integrated producer, the owners of which hold other significant commercial interests in Colombia. During 2007, Coca-Cola FEMSA expects to face an increase in competition from low price producers offering multiple serving size presentations.

Venezuela. In Venezuela, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s main competitor is Pepsi-Cola Venezuela, C.A., a joint venture formed between PepsiCo. and Empresas Polar, S.A., the leading beer distributor in the country. It also competes with the producers of Kola Real in part of the country.

Argentina. In Argentina, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s main competitor is BAESA, a Pepsi bottler, which is owned by Argentina’s principal brewery, Quilmes Industrial S.A., and indirectly controlled by AmBev. In addition, it competes with a number of competitors offering generic, low priced soft drinks as well as many other generic products and private label proprietary supermarket brands.

Brazil. In Brazil, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes against AmBev, a Brazilian company with a portfolio of brands that includes Pepsi, local brands with flavors such as guaraná and proprietary beers. It also competes against “B brands” or “Tubainas,” which are small, local producers of low cost flavored soft drinks in multiple serving presentations that represent an important portion of the soft drink market.

Taxation of Soft Drinks

All of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates, except for Panama, impose a value-added tax on the sale of soft drinks, with a rate of 15% in Mexico, 12% in Guatemala, 15% in Nicaragua, 13% in Costa Rica, 16% in Colombia, 14% in Venezuela, 18% (São Paulo) and 17% (Mato Grosso do Sul) in Brazil and 21% in Argentina. In addition, several of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates impose the following excise or other taxes:

 

   

Guatemala imposes an excise tax of 0.18 cents in local currency (Ps. 0.26 as of December 31, 2006) per liter of soft drink.

 

   

Costa Rica imposes a specific tax on non-alcoholic bottled beverages based on the combination of packaging and flavor, a 5% excise tax on local brands, a 10% tax on foreign brands and a 14% tax on mixers.

 

   

Nicaragua imposes a 9% tax on consumption.

 

   

Panama imposes a 5% tax based on the cost of goods produced.

 

   

Argentina imposes an excise tax on colas and on flavored soft drinks containing less than 5% lemon juice or less than 10% fruit juice of 8.7%, and an excise tax on flavored soft drinks with 10% or more fruit juice and on mineral water of 4.2%.

 

   

Brazil imposes an average production tax of 16.5% and an average sales tax of 4.6% in the territories where Coca-Cola FEMSA operates.

Price Controls

At present, there are no price controls on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products in any of its segments. In Mexico, prior to 1992, prices of carbonated soft drinks were regulated by the Mexican government. From 1992 to 1995,

 

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the industry was subject to voluntary price restraints. In response to the devaluation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar in 1994 and 1995, however, the Mexican government adopted an economic recovery plan to control inflationary pressures in 1995. As part of this plan, the Mexican government encouraged the Asociación Nacional de Productores de Refrescos y Aguas Carbonatadas, A.C. (the National Association of Bottlers) to engage in voluntary consultations with the Mexican government with respect to price increases for returnable presentations. These voluntary consultations were terminated in 1996. Formal price controls have been imposed historically in several of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates, including in Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela, and could be imposed in the future. The imposition of price controls in the future may limit Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to set prices and adversely affect its results of operations.

Raw Materials

Pursuant to the bottler agreements with The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola FEMSA is required to purchase concentrate, including aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in diet sodas, for all Coca-Cola trademark beverages from companies designated by The Coca-Cola Company. The price of concentrate for all Coca-Cola trademark beverages is a percentage of the average price Coca-Cola FEMSA charges to its retailers in local currency net of applicable taxes. Although The Coca-Cola Company has the right to unilaterally set the price of concentrates, in practice this percentage has historically been set pursuant to periodic negotiations with The Coca-Cola Company. In most cases, concentrate is purchased in the local currency of the territory.

In 2005, The Coca-Cola Company decided to gradually increase concentrate prices for carbonated soft drinks over a three year period in Mexico beginning in 2007, and in Brazil in 2006. As part of the new cooperation framework that Coca-Cola FEMSA arrived at with The Coca-Cola Company at the end of 2006, The Coca-Cola Company will provide a relevant portion of the funds derived from the incidence increase to marketing support of the carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks portfolio.

In addition to concentrate, Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases sweeteners, carbon dioxide, resin and ingots to make plastic bottles, finished plastic and glass bottles, cans, closures and fountain containers, as well as other packaging materials. Sweeteners are combined with water to produce basic syrup, which is added to the concentrate as the sweetener for the soft drink. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements provide that, with respect to Coca-Cola trademark beverages, these materials may be purchased only from suppliers approved by The Coca-Cola Company. Prices for packaging materials and high fructose corn syrup historically are determined with reference to the U.S. dollar, although the local currency equivalent in a particular country is subject to price volatility in accordance with changes in exchange rates. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most significant packaging raw material costs arise from the purchase of resin, plastic ingots to make plastic bottles and finished plastic bottles, which it obtains from international and local producers. The prices of these materials are tied to crude oil prices and global resin supply, and in previous years it has experienced volatility in the prices it pays for these materials. In Mexico, its average price for resin started to decline in the second half of 2006, and Coca-Cola FEMSA currently expects prices to remain stable for 2007.

Under Coca-Cola FEMSA’s agreements with The Coca-Cola Company, it may use raw or refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup as sweeteners in its products. Sugar prices in all of the countries in which it operates, other than Brazil, are subject to local regulations and other barriers to market entry that cause it to pay in excess of international market prices for sugar in certain countries. Coca-Cola FEMSA has experienced sugar price volatility in these territories as a result of changes in local conditions, regulations and the stronger correlation to oil prices recently due to the use of sugar in alternative fuels.

None of the materials or supplies that Coca-Cola FEMSA uses is presently in short supply, although the supply of specific materials could be adversely affected by strikes, weather conditions, governmental controls or national emergency situations.

 

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Mexico. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases its returnable plastic bottles from Continental PET Technologies de México, S.A. de C.V, a subsidiary of Continental Can, Inc., which has been the exclusive supplier of returnable plastic bottles to The Coca-Cola Company and its bottlers in Mexico. Coca-Cola FEMSA also primarily purchases resin from Arteva Specialties, S. de R.L. de C.V. and Industrias Voridian, S.A. de C.V., which ALPLA Fábrica de Plásticos, S.A. de C.V., known as ALPLA, manufactures into non-returnable plastic bottles for it.

Coca-Cola FEMSA primarily purchases sugar from Promotora Mexicana de Embotelladoras, S.A. de C.V., known as PROMESA, a cooperative of Coca-Cola bottlers. These purchases are regularly made under one-year agreements between PROMESA and each bottler subsidiary for the sale of sugar at a price that is determined monthly based on the cost of sugar to PROMESA. Coca-Cola FEMSA also purchases sugar from Beta San Miguel, S.A. de C.V., a sugar cane producer in which it holds a 2.54% equity interest.

In December 2001, the Mexican government expropriated the majority of the sugar mills in Mexico. To manage this industry, the Mexican government entered into a trust agreement with Nacional Financiera, S.N.C., which it refers to as Nafin, a Mexican government-owned development bank, pursuant to which Nafin acts as trustee. In addition, the Mexican government imposed a 20% excise tax, effective January 1, 2002, on carbonated soft drinks sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. As a result, Coca-Cola FEMSA converted its Mexican bottler facilities to sugar cane-based production in early 2002. On January 1, 2003, the Mexican government broadened the reach of this tax by imposing a 20% excise tax on carbonated soft drinks produced with non-sugar sweetener. The effect of these excise taxes was to limit Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to substitute other sweeteners for sugar. Coca-Cola FEMSA initiated proceedings in Mexican federal court against this excise tax that allowed it to cease paying the tax in 2005 and 2006. It also resumed the use of high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. At the end of 2006, effective beginning in 2007, the Mexican government removed this excise tax and the government recently agreed to return the expropriated mills to their former owners. This process has begun and the majority of mills have been returned to these owners.

Imported sugar is also presently subject to import duties, the amount of which is set by the Mexican government. As a result, sugar prices in Mexico are in excess of international market prices for sugar. In 2005, sugar prices remained stable after significant increases in 2004, however, in 2006 prices increased again. Coca-Cola FEMSA expects volatility in sugar prices in Mexico in 2007 due to local regulations and other market barriers to entry.

Central America. The majority of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s raw materials such as glass and plastic bottles and cans are purchased from several local suppliers. Sugar is available from one supplier in each country. Local sugar prices in certain Central American countries are significantly higher than international market prices and Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to import sugar or high fructose corn syrup is limited.

Colombia. Coca-Cola FEMSA uses sugar as a sweetener in its products, which it buys from several domestic sources. It purchases pre-formed ingots from Amcor and Tapón Corona de Colombia S.A. It purchases all its glass bottles and cans from suppliers, in which its competitor Postobón owns a 40% equity interest. While other suppliers exist for glass bottles, cans are available only from this one source.

Venezuela. Coca-Cola FEMSA uses sugar as a sweetener in its products, which it purchases primarily from the local market. Since 2003, it has experienced a sugar shortage due to lower domestic production and the inability of the predominant sugar importers to obtain permissions to import. However, it was able to meet its sugar requirements through imports. Coca-Cola FEMSA buys glass bottles from one supplier, Productos de Vidrio, S.A., a local supplier, but there are other alternative suppliers authorized by The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola FEMSA has several supplier options for plastic non-returnable bottles but it acquires most of its requirements from ALPLA de Venezuela, S.A.

Argentina. In Argentina, Coca-Cola FEMSA uses high fructose corn syrup from several different local suppliers as a sweetener in its products instead of sugar. It purchases glass bottles, plastic cases and other raw

 

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materials from several domestic sources. It purchases pre-formed plastic ingots, as well as returnable plastic bottles, at competitive prices from Embotelladora del Atlántico S.A., a local subsidiary of Embotelladora Andina S.A., a Coca-Cola bottler with operations in Argentina, Chile and Brazil, and other international suppliers. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases its can presentations and juice-based products for distribution to customers in Buenos Aires from CICAN S.A., in which it owns a 48.1% equity interest.

Brazil. Sugar is widely available in Brazil at local market prices, which historically have been lower than international prices. Coca-Cola FEMSA experienced significant increases in sugar prices in the first half of the year, due to increases in oil prices. In the second half of the year sugar prices declined almost in the same proportion of the previous increase. It expects sugar prices to remain stable in Brazil during 2007. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases glass bottles, plastic bottles and cans from several domestic and international suppliers.

FEMSA Cerveza

Overview and Background

FEMSA Cerveza produces beer in Mexico and Brazil and exports its products to more than 50 countries worldwide, with North America being its most important export market, followed by certain markets in Europe, Latin America and Asia. In 2006, FEMSA Cerveza was ranked the thirteenth-largest brewer in the world in terms of sales volume. In Mexico, its main market, FEMSA Cerveza is the second largest beer producer in terms of sales volume. In 2006, approximately 69% of FEMSA Cerveza’s sales volume came from Mexico, with the remaining 24% from Brazil and 7% from exports. In 2006, FEMSA Cerveza sold 37.697 million hectoliters of beer.

FEMSA Cerveza’s principal operating subsidiaries are Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V., which operates six breweries in Mexico, Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A., or Kaiser, which operates eight breweries in Brazil, and Cervezas Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V., which operates our company-owned distribution centers across Mexico.

Our management believes that Brazil is one of the most attractive and profitable beer markets in the world. Accordingly, in January 2006, FEMSA Cerveza acquired a 68% equity stake in the Brazilian brewer Kaiser from The Molson Coors Brewing Co., or Molson Coors, for US$68 million, at the same time receiving indemnity rights for certain tax contingencies of Kaiser. Molson Coors later completed its exit from the Brazilian market in December 2006 by exercising a put option to sell its 15% stake in Kaiser to FEMSA Cerveza for US$15.6 million. Under the terms of the agreements governing FEMSA Cerveza’s original acquisition of Kaiser in January 2006, FEMSA Cerveza’s indemnity rights for certain tax contingencies provided by Molson Coors increased proportionately with the incremental 15% stake it acquired. In addition, on December 22, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza completed a capital increase of US$200 million in Kaiser, following the successful settlement of tax contingencies with Brazilian state and federal tax authorities. The capital increase completed the capitalization of Kaiser, which we believe will significantly strengthen Kaiser’s balance sheet and allow us to continue to expand our operations in Brazil. FEMSA Cerveza was the only shareholder to participate in the capital increase, and as a result of these transactions, FEMSA Cerveza owns as of May 31, 2007, 99.83% of the equity of Kaiser. Heineken N.V. elected not to participate in the increase, thereby diluting its 17% interest in Kaiser to 0.17%.

Beer Sales Volume

FEMSA Cerveza volume figures contained in this annual report refer to invoiced sales volume of beer. In Mexico, invoiced sales volume represents the quantity of hectoliters of beer sold by FEMSA Cerveza’s breweries to unaffiliated distributors and by affiliated distributors to retailers. In Brazil, invoiced sales volume represents the quantity of hectoliters of beer sold by Kaiser. Kaiser sells its products to the Brazilian Coca-Cola bottlers, which sell and distribute Kaiser beers in their respective territories. The term hectoliter means 100 liters or approximately 26.4 U.S. gallons.

FEMSA Cerveza’s total beer sales volume totaled 37.697 million hectoliters in 2006, an increase of 39.5% from total sales volume of 27.018 million hectoliters in 2005. In 2006, FEMSA Cerveza’s Mexican beer

 

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sales volume increased by 5.6% to 25.951 million hectoliters and export beer sales volume increased by 15.3% to 2.811 million hectoliters. Brazil sales volume prior to 2006 is not reported as the operation was not owned or operated by FEMSA Cerveza before January 2006.

FEMSA Cerveza Total Beer Sales Volumes

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002
     (in thousands of hectoliters)

Mexico beer sales volume

   25,951    24,580    23,442    22,582    21,856

Brazil beer sales volume

   8,935    NA    NA    NA    NA

Export beer sales volume

   2,811    2,438    2,240    1,982    1,955

Total beer sales volume

   37,697    27,018    25,682    24,564    23,811

FEMSA Cerveza’s Mexican beer sales volume recorded a compounded average growth rate of 4.4% for the period of 2002 through 2006. This compares with the 3.3% compounded average growth rate of the Mexican gross domestic product for the same period. Mexican beer sales for the same period recorded a 4.2% compounded average growth rate. FEMSA Cerveza’s export sales volume recorded a compound average growth rate of 9.5% for the same period, while the compound average growth rate for export sales was 17.6%.

Femsa Cerveza’s Strategy

In order to achieve its objectives in the Mexican market, FEMSA Cerveza seeks to:

 

   

implement advanced brand, packaging and price information gathering techniques at the point-of-sale to allow FEMSA Cerveza to fine tune its portfolio of brands and pricing at the level of individual retailers;

 

   

innovate through a differentiated brand portfolio and increase the value of its brands by tailoring its portfolio of brands based on the attributes of each brand to specific markets using marketing techniques such as market segmentation, brand positioning and distinctive advertising campaigns;

 

   

establish profitable, long-term relationships with retailers by implementing client-specific strategies to help increase their sales and profitability, such as modifying commercial terms with retailers, promotions and types of refrigeration equipment and point-of-sale marketing materials;

 

   

achieve balanced and profitable retail distribution levels by selecting the appropriate mix of on- and off-premise accounts, and a balance of image-focused accounts (like upscale restaurants) and volume-driven accounts (like beer depots); and

 

   

pursue additional efficiencies and cost reductions on a continuing basis from production to final distribution, by pursuing specific cost reduction efforts, using information technology and improving business processes.

Mexico Operations

The Mexican Beer Market

The Mexican beer market was the eighth largest beer market in the world in terms of industry sales volume in 2006 and is characterized by (1) concentrated domestic beer production, (2) regional market share differences, (3) the prevalence of government licensing regulations and (4) favorable demographics in the beer drinking population.

 

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Concentrated Mexican beer production

Since 1985, Mexico has effectively had only two independent domestic beer producers, FEMSA Cerveza and Grupo Modelo. Grupo Modelo, a publicly traded company based in Mexico City, is the holding company of 76.8% of Diblo, S.A. de C.V., which operates the brewing and packaging subsidiaries of Grupo Modelo. Grupo Modelo’s principal beer brands are Corona, Modelo, Victoria and Pacífico. Grupo Modelo’s Corona, Modelo and Victoria brands are distributed nationwide in Mexico, while Pacífico is sold principally along the pacific coastal regions. Modelo Especial, Modelo Light and Pacífico are Grupo Modelo’s domestic can presentations. FEMSA Cerveza’s sales in the Mexican market depend on its ability to compete with Grupo Modelo.

Historically, beer imports have not been a significant factor in the Mexican beer market, because they were subject to tariffs of up to 20%. Under NAFTA, the tariff on imported beer from the United States and Canada was gradually reduced and eventually eliminated in January 2001. Notwithstanding the reduction in tariff levels, imported beers accounted for approximately 2.1% of the total Mexican beer market in terms of sales volume during 2006. FEMSA Cerveza believes that tariff elimination has had a limited effect on the Mexican beer market because imported beers are largely premium and super-premium products sold in aluminum cans, which are a more expensive means of packaging in Mexico than beer sold in returnable bottles. Periods of relative strength of the Mexican peso with respect to the U.S. dollar, however, may lower the price of imported beer to consumers and may result in increased demand for imported beer in the Mexican market.

Regional market share differences

FEMSA Cerveza and Grupo Modelo are both strongest in beer markets in separate regions of Mexico. FEMSA Cerveza has a stronger market position in the northern and southern areas of Mexico while Grupo Modelo has a stronger market position in central Mexico. We believe that these regional market positions can be traced in part to consumer loyalty to the brand of beer that has historically been associated with a particular region. For example, FEMSA Cerveza’s Carta Blanca brand was first produced in Monterrey, Nuevo León in 1891. The strong regional identity in Monterrey and surrounding northeastern areas is reflected in the region’s preference for Carta Blanca and other FEMSA Cerveza brands.

We also believe that regional market strength is a function of the proximity of the breweries to the markets they serve. Transportation costs restrict the most efficient distribution of beer to a geographic area of approximately 300 to 500 kilometers surrounding a brewery. Generally, FEMSA Cerveza commands a majority of the beer sales in regions that are nearest to its largest breweries. FEMSA Cerveza’s largest breweries are in Orizaba, Veracruz and in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Grupo Modelo’s largest breweries are located in Mexico City, Oaxaca and Zacatecas.

The northern region of Mexico has traditionally enjoyed a higher per capita income level, attributable in part to its rapid industrialization within the last 50 years and to its commercial proximity to the United States. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza believes that per capita beer consumption is also greater in this region due to its warmer climate and a more ingrained beer culture.

Mexican Regional Demographic Statistics

 

Region

   Percent of
2006 Total
Population
    Percent of Total
2006 Gross
Domestic
Product
    Per Capita
2006 Gross
Domestic
Product

Northern

   26.4 %   33.5 %   Ps. 101.3

Southern

   22.7     15.2     53.3

Central

   50.9     51.3     80.1

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   Ps. 79.6

Source: FEMSA Cerveza estimates based on figures published by the Mexican Institute of Statistics (INEGI) and CAPEM Oxford Economics Forecasting.

 

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Government regulation

The Mexican federal government regulates beer consumption in Mexico primarily through taxation while local governments in Mexico regulate primarily through the issuance of licenses that authorize retailers to sell alcoholic beverages.

Federal taxes on beer consisted of a 25% excise tax and a 15% value-added tax, which together represented 43.75% of the total pre-tax price of beer to retailers. In 2005, the excise tax was amended for the first time since January 1998. Effective January 1, 2006, the excise tax is the higher of (1) 25% and (2) Ps. 3 per liter for non-returnable presentation or Ps. 1.74 for returnable presentations, as part of an environmental initiative by the Mexican governmental to encourage returnable presentations. The tax component of retail beer prices is significantly higher in Mexico than in the United States.

The number of retail outlets authorized to sell beer is controlled by local jurisdictions, which issue licenses authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages. Other regulations regarding beer consumption in Mexico vary according to local jurisdiction and include limitations on the hours during which restaurants, bars and other retail outlets are allowed to sell beer and other alcoholic beverages. FEMSA Cerveza has been engaged in addressing these limitations at various levels, including efforts with governmental and civil authorities to promote better education for the responsible consumption of beer. For instance, as part of its ongoing community activities, FEMSA Cerveza has been an active sponsor of a nationwide designated driver program in Mexico.

Since July 1984, Mexican federal regulation has required that all forms of beer packaging carry a warning advising that excessive consumption of beer is hazardous to one’s health. In addition, the Ley General de Salud (the General Health Law), requires that all beers sold in Mexico maintain a sanitation registration with the Secretaría de Salud (the Ministry of Health).

Demographics of beer drinking population

We estimate that annual per capita beer consumption for the total Mexican population reached approximately 58 liters in 2006, as compared to approximately 81 liters in the United States. The legal drinking age is 18 in Mexico. We consider the population segment of men between the ages of 18 and 45 to be FEMSA Cerveza’s primary market. At least 38% of the Mexican population is under the age of 18 and, therefore, is not considered to be part of the beer drinking population.

Based on historical trends and what management perceives as the continued social acceptance of beer consumption, FEMSA Cerveza believes that general population growth will result in an increase in the number of beer consumers in Mexico. Based on historical trends as measured by the Mexican Institute of Statistics, we expect the Mexican population to grow at an average annual rate of approximately 1.2% per year over the period from 2007 to 2011. We estimate that over the next 10 years approximately in excess of 1.6 million additional people per year will become potential beer consumers due to the natural aging of the Mexican population.

Macroeconomic influences affecting beer consumption

We believe that consumption activity in the Mexican beer market is heavily influenced by the general level of economic activity in Mexico, the country’s gross wage base, changes in real disposable income and employment levels. As a result, the beer industry reacts sharply to economic change. The industry generally experiences high volume growth in periods of economic strength and slower volume growth or volume contraction in periods of economic weakness. Domestic beer sales declined in Mexico in 1982, 1983 and 1995. These sales decreases correspond to periods in which the Mexican economy experienced severe disruptions. Similarly, the economic slowdown observed in 2002 corresponded to a reduction in domestic beer sales in 2002. In 2003, given the effect of a continued economic slowdown on consumers, FEMSA Cerveza decided not to increase prices. The reduction in prices in real terms (after giving effect to inflation) was the main driver for increasing sales volumes during 2003. In 2004, growth in Mexico’s gross domestic product was the main driver for increasing beer sales volume, despite price increases in nominal terms in the Mexican beer industry. In 2005 and 2006, beer sales volume growth outpaced growth in Mexico’s gross domestic product. In 2006, beer sales volume growth was the highest in the last ten years due to the strong economy, which boosted consumption of our products.

 

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Beer Prices

After more than 18 months without a price increase, FEMSA Cerveza increased prices in Mexico during the first quarter of 2004. The effect of these price increases was partially offset by promotional activity that reduced the price of beer, due to a strong competitive environment. During 2005, FEMSA Cerveza increased prices in Mexico in line with inflation. In the first quarter of 2006, FEMSA Cerveza increased prices in Mexico by region, brand, presentation and point of sale, resulting in an average price increase of 3.5% in nominal Mexican peso terms. During 2007, FEMSA Cerveza continues with its segmentation strategy and revenue management and will continue exploring opportunities to improve price, considering the specific conditions of each market.

According to the Bank of Mexico’s consumer beer price index, for the Mexican beer industry as a whole, average consumer beer prices increased 3.5% in nominal terms, which represents no price increase in real terms. The following table shows relative real average retail prices since 2002 for the Mexican beer industry:

Mexican Beer Industry

Cumulative Real Consumer Beer Price Index: 2002-2006

(2002 = 100%)

 

Year Ended December 31,
2006    2005    2004    2003    2002
91.3    91.4    94.4    96.3    100.0

Source: Bank of México

Product Overview

As of December 31, 2006, in Mexico FEMSA Cerveza produced and/or distributed 18 brands of beer in 13 different presentations resulting in a portfolio of 88 different product offerings. The most important brands in FEMSA Cerveza’s Mexican portfolio include: Tecate, Sol, Carta Blanca, Superior and Indio. These five brands, all of which are distributed nationwide in Mexico, accounted for approximately 94% of FEMSA Cerveza’s Mexico beer sales volume in 2006.

Per capita information, product segments, relative prices and packaging information with respect to FEMSA Cerveza have been computed and are based upon our statistics and assumptions.

Beer Presentations

In its Mexican operations, FEMSA Cerveza produces and distributes beer in returnable glass bottles and kegs and in non-returnable aluminum cans and glass bottles. FEMSA Cerveza uses the term presentation to reflect these packaging options. The following table shows the percent of beer sales volume by presentation for the year ended December 31, 2006:

FEMSA Cerveza’s Beer Volume by Presentation, Mexican breweries

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Presentation

   Percentage  

Returnable bottles

   57.7 %

Non-returnable presentations

   40.5  

Kegs

   1.8  
      

Total

   100.0 %

 

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Returnable presentations

The most popular form of packaging in the Mexican beer market is the returnable bottle. FEMSA Cerveza believes that the popularity of the returnable bottle is attributable to its lower price to the consumer. While returnable bottles generally cost approximately twice as much to produce as non-returnable bottles, returnable bottles may be reused an average of 30 times before being recycled. As a result, beer producers are able to charge lower prices for beer in returnable bottles. Because non-returnable presentations are the most expensive, we believe that demand for these presentations is highly sensitive to economic factors. During periods when the Mexican economy is weak, returnable sales volume generally increase at a faster rate relative to non-returnable sales volume.

Non-returnable presentations

FEMSA Cerveza’s presentation mix in Mexico has been growing in non-returnable presentations in the last few years, as we tailor our offering to consumer preferences and provide different convenient alternatives. The vast majority of export sales are in non-returnable presentations.

Relative Pricing

Returnable bottles and kegs are the least expensive beer presentation on a per-milliliter basis. Cans and non-returnable bottles have historically been priced higher than returnable bottles. In 2006, the weighted average of this difference was between 25% and 30% higher price per-milliliter for non-returnable presentations. The consumer preference for presentations in cans has varied considerably over the past 20 years, rising in periods of economic prosperity and declining in periods of economic austerity, reflecting the price differential between these forms of packaging.

Seasonality

Demand for FEMSA Cerveza’s beer is highest in the Mexican summer season, and consequently, brewery utilization rates are at their highest during this period. Demand for FEMSA Cerveza’s products also tends to increase in the month of December, reflecting consumption during the holiday season. Demand for FEMSA Cerveza’s products decreases during the months of November, January and February primarily as a result of colder weather in the northern regions of Mexico.

Primary Distribution

FEMSA Cerveza’s primary distribution in Mexico is from its production facilities to its distribution centers’ warehouses. FEMSA Cerveza delivers to a combination of company-owned and third party distributors. In an effort to improve the efficiency and alignment of the distribution network, FEMSA Cerveza has adjusted its relationship with independent distributors by implementing franchise agreements and as a result, has achieved economies of scale through integration with FEMSA Cerveza’s operating systems. FEMSA Cerveza has also increased the number of company-owned distribution centers by acquiring third party distributors in recent years. Through a series of transactions completed in 2006, FEMSA Cerveza increased its directly distributed volume in respect of its Mexican beer sales volume to 82%, operating through 251 company-owned distribution centers. The remaining 19% of the beer sales volume was sold through 68 independent distributors, most of them operating under franchise agreements with FEMSA Cerveza. A franchise agreement is offered only to those distributors that meet certain standards of operating capabilities, performance and alignment. FEMSA Cerveza has historically and intends to continue in the future to acquire those distributors that do not meet these standards. Through this initiative FEMSA Cerveza will continue to seek to increase its Mexico beer sales volume through company-owned distribution centers.

In addition to distributing its own brands, on June 22, 2004, FEMSA Cerveza’s brewing subsidiary and Coors Brewing Company entered into an agreement pursuant to which FEMSA Cerveza’s subsidiary was appointed the exclusive importer, distributor, marketer and seller of Coors Light beer in Mexico.

 

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Retail Distribution

The main sales outlets for beer in Mexico are small, independently-owned “mom and pop” grocery stores, dedicated beer stores or “depósitos,” liquor stores and bars. Supermarkets account for only a small percentage of beer sales in Mexico. In addition, FEMSA Comercio operates a chain of more than 4,847 convenience stores under the trade name Oxxo that exclusively sell FEMSA Cerveza’s brands.

Distribution of FEMSA Cerveza Mexico Beer Sales Volume by Outlet

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Points of Sale

   Percentage  

Small grocery stores

   22 %

Beer and liquor stores

   26  

Mini-markets and convenience stores

   21  

Other points of sale

   9  
      

Subtotal

   78 %
      

Consumption Centers

   Percentage  

Bars

   10 %

Restaurants

   4  

Nightclubs

   2  

Other consumption centers

   6  
      

Subtotal

   22 %
      

Total

   100.0 %
      

The Mexican retail market is fragmented and characterized by a preponderance of small outlets that are unable and unwilling to maintain meaningful inventory levels. Consequently, FEMSA Cerveza must make frequent product deliveries to its retailers. In recent years, FEMSA Cerveza has implemented the pre-sale process of distribution in its markets to improve its distribution practices. The pre-sale process is a distribution method in which the sales and delivery functions are separated and trucks are loaded with the actual mix of products that retailers have previously ordered. One of the primary objectives of pre-sale is to separate sales from distribution to ensure more reliable market access and to enhance efficiency by reducing the number of secondary distribution routes in otherwise highly fragmented markets. Where pre-sale has been implemented, we have experienced a significant reduction in unsold product and a net reduction in distribution personnel. The existence of the pre-sale process facilitates systematic product delivery and helps discipline product inventory at the point-of-sale. Furthermore, pre-sale has enabled FEMSA Cerveza to collect customer and consumer information directly from the marketplace, which then becomes valuable in defining brand portfolios by channel. See “—Marketing Strategy.”

During 2004, FEMSA Cerveza completed the implementation of the pre-sale process in its company-owned distribution centers. As of December 31, 2006, 86% of the beer sales volume of FEMSA Cerveza was sold through the pre-sale process. As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza serves more than 320,000 retailers in Mexico and its distribution network operates approximately 2,044 retail distribution routes.

Enterprise Resource Planning

FEMSA Cerveza operates an Enterprise Resource Planning system, or ERP, that provides an information and control platform to support commercial activities nationwide in Mexico and correlate them with the administrative and business development decision-making process occurring in FEMSA Cerveza’s central office. The Mexican beer sales volume of all FEMSA Cerveza’s company-owned distribution centers is operating through ERP, except for third-party distributors acquired during 2006 that will be operating through ERP as of October 2007.

 

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Marketing Strategy

FEMSA Cerveza focuses on the consumer by segmenting its markets and positioning its brands, accordingly, striving to develop brand and presentation portfolios that provide the best alternatives for every consumption occasion at the appropriate price points. By segmenting its markets, we refer to the technique whereby we target a particular group of consumers with specific characteristics such as lifestyle, attitude, geographic region or age group. Continuous market research provides feedback that is used to evolve and adapt our product offerings to best satisfy our consumers’ needs. We are increasingly focused on micro-segmentation, where we use our market research and our information technology systems to target smaller market segments, including in some cases the individual point-of-sale.

FEMSA Cerveza also focuses on the retailer by designing and implementing channel marketing at the point-of-sale, such as promotional programs providing merchandising materials, and, where appropriate, refrigeration equipment. A channel refers to a point-of-sale category, or sub-category, such as supermarkets, beer depots, restaurants, etc. Furthermore, we are always attempting to develop new channels in order to capture incremental consumption opportunities for our brands.

In order to coordinate the brand and channel strategies, we are developing and implementing integrated marketing programs, which aim to improve brand value through the simultaneous use of mass media advertising and targeted marketing efforts at the point-of-sale as well as event sponsorships. Our marketing program for a particular brand seeks to emphasize in a consistent manner the distinctive attributes of that brand.

FEMSA Cerveza has developed a process called Innovation to efficiently enable corporate growth strategies. Innovation is a system-wide priority for FEMSA Cerveza and is developed integrally across all areas of the demand chain to maximize value generation at every stage of demand. Innovation is driven by robust consumer and market research practices that help FEMSA Cerveza identify, develop and execute ideas that deliver value.

Plants and Facilities

FEMSA Cerveza currently operates six breweries in Mexico with an aggregate monthly production capacity of 2.8 million hectoliters, equivalent to approximately 33.7 million hectoliters of annual capacity. Each of FEMSA Cerveza’s Mexican breweries has received ISO 9002 certification and a Clean Industry Certification (Industria Limpia) given by Mexican environmental authorities. A key consideration in the selection of a site for a brewery is its proximity to potential markets, as the cost of transportation is a critical component of the overall cost of beer to the consumer. FEMSA Cerveza’s Mexican breweries are strategically located across the country, as shown in the table below, to better serve FEMSA Cerveza’s distribution system.

 

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LOGO

FEMSA Cerveza Mexico Facility Capacity Summary

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Brewery

   Average
Annualized
Capacity
 
   (in thousands
of hectoliters)
 

Monterrey

   7,800  

Orizaba

   7,200  

Toluca

   5,400  

Navojoa

   5,400  

Tecate

   4,680  

Guadalajara

   3,216  
      

Total

   33,696  
      

Average capacity utilization

   83.6 %
      

Between 2002 and 2006, FEMSA Cerveza increased its average monthly production capacity by approximately 120,000 hectoliters through additional investments in existing facilities.

During 2005, FEMSA Cerveza opened a new malt production facility in Puebla, Mexico, increasing its malting capacity by 16% to 154,000 tons per year. This facility covers an area of 18,000 square meters and is one of the largest and most technologically advanced in the world.

 

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FEMSA Cerveza operates seven effluent water treatment systems in Mexico to treat the water used by the breweries, all of which are wholly owned by FEMSA Cerveza except for the effluent treatment system at the Orizaba brewery, which is a joint venture among FEMSA Cerveza, several other local companies and the government of the state of Veracruz.

Glass Bottles and Cans

FEMSA Cerveza produces (1) beverage cans and can ends, (2) glass bottles and (3) crown caps for glass bottle presentations principally to meet the packaging needs of its Mexican operations. The packaging operations include a silica sand mine, which provides materials necessary for the production of glass bottles. The following table provides a summary of the facilities for these operations:

FEMSA Cerveza Mexico Glass Bottle and Beverage Can Operations Product Summary

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Product

   Location    Annual Production
Capacity(1)
   % Average Capacity
Utilization

Beverage cans

   Ensenada    1,700    100.0
   Toluca    1,800    100.0
      3,500    100.0

Can ends

   Monterrey    4,300    98.2

Crown cap

   Monterrey    18,000    91.0

Glass bottles

   Orizaba    1,300    88.3

Bottle decoration

   Nogales    330    56.3

Silica sand

   Acayucan    360    100.0

(1) Amounts are expressed in millions of units of each product, except for silica sand which is expressed in thousands of tons.

Two plants produce aluminum beverage can bodies at production facilities in Ensenada and Toluca, and another plant produces can ends at a production facility in Monterrey. During 2006, 56.7% of the beverage can volume produced by these plants was used by FEMSA Cerveza and the remaining amount was sold to third parties.

Glass bottles are produced at a glass production facility in Orizaba, Veracruz and bottles are decorated at a plant in Nogales, Veracruz. During 2006, 75.3% of the glass bottle volume produced by these plants was used by FEMSA Cerveza, 16.7% was sold to Coca-Cola FEMSA and the remaining 8.0% was sold to third parties.

Raw Materials

Malted barley, hops, certain grains, yeast and water are the principal ingredients used in manufacturing FEMSA Cerveza’s beer products. The principal raw materials used by FEMSA Cerveza’s packaging operations include aluminum, steel and silica sand. All of these raw materials are generally available in the open market. FEMSA Cerveza satisfies its commodity requirements through purchases from various sources, including purchases pursuant to contractual arrangements and purchases in the open market.

Aluminum and steel are two of the most significant raw materials used in FEMSA Cerveza’s packaging operations to make aluminum cans, can ends and bottle caps. FEMSA Cerveza purchases aluminum and steel directly from international and local suppliers on a contractual basis. These contracts generally have terms of six months or one year and specify prices free-on-board at FEMSA Cerveza’s facilities. Companies such as Alcoa, Nittetsu-Shoji, Noreli, CSN, Rasselstein and AHMSA have been selected as suppliers. Prices for aluminum have been volatile in recent periods, and market prices increased approximately 35% in 2006. Prices of aluminum and steel are generally quoted in U.S. dollars, and FEMSA Cerveza’s cost is therefore affected by changes in exchange rates. For example, a depreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar will increase the cost to FEMSA Cerveza of aluminum and steel, and will decrease FEMSA Cerveza’s margins as its sales are generally denominated in Mexican pesos. To date, FEMSA Cerveza’s silica sand mine has been able to satisfy all of the silica sand requirements of its glass bottle operations.

 

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Barley is FEMSA Cerveza’s most significant raw material for the production of its beer products. International markets determine the prices and supply sources of agricultural raw materials, which are affected by the level of crop production, inventories, weather conditions, domestic and export demand, as well as government regulations affecting agriculture. The principal source of barley for the Mexican beer industry is the domestic harvest. If domestic production in Mexico is insufficient to meet the industry’s requirements, barley (or its equivalent in malt) can be obtained from international markets. Before 2003, pursuant to NAFTA, an annual duty-free import quota for barley (or its equivalent in malt) was set. In 2003, under NAFTA, barley imports from the U.S. and Canada are tax-free and there are no import quota restrictions. Prior to NAFTA, Mexican barley prices were significantly higher than international barley prices. Since the implementation of NAFTA, domestic barley prices in Mexico have been stabilizing considering international references, freights and import expenses. We have generally been able to obtain our barley requirements in the Mexican market. Hops is the only ingredient that is not available domestically in Mexico. FEMSA Cerveza imports hops primarily from the United States and Europe.

Brazil Operations

The Brazilian Beer Market

The Brazilian beer market was the fourth largest beer market in the world in terms of industry sales volume in 2006 and is characterized by (1) concentrated domestic beer production, (2) favorable demographics in the beer drinking population, and (3) a fragmented retail channel.

Concentrated Brazilian beer production

The Brazilian beer market is comprised of one very large producer, three medium sized producers, and some minor regional brewers. The very large producer is Companhia de Bebidas das Americas or AmBev, a publicly traded company based in Sao Paulo that is majority-owned by the Belgian brewer Inbev. AmBev’s principal beer brands are Skol, Brahma and Antartica. AmBev is also a large bottler of carbonated soft drinks, with brands such as Guaraná Antartica and Pepsi Cola. The three medium sized producers are FEMSA Cerveza, Grupo Schincariol whose main brand is Nova Schin and Cervejaria Petropolis whose main brand is Itaipava. FEMSA Cerveza’s sales in the Brazilian market depend on its ability to compete with local brewers. Historically, beer imports have not been a significant factor in the Brazilian beer market.

Demographics of beer drinking population

We estimate that annual per capita beer consumption for the total Brazilian population reached approximately 50 liters in 2006. The legal drinking age is 18 in Brazil. We consider the population segment of men between the ages of 18 and 45 to be FEMSA Cerveza’s primary market. At least 37% of the Brazilian population is under the age of 18 and, therefore, is not considered to be part of the beer drinking population.

Based on historical trends and what management perceives as the continued social acceptance of beer consumption, FEMSA Cerveza believes that general population growth will result in an increase in the number of beer consumers in Brazil. Based on historical trends as measured by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estadística (Brazilian Institute of Statistics), or IBGE, we expect the Brazilian population to grow at an average annual rate of approximately 1.3% per year over the period from 2007 to 2011. We estimate that over the next 10 years approximately in excess of 2 million additional people per year will become potential beer consumers due to the natural aging of the Brazilian population.

 

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Product Overview

As of December 31, 2006, in Brazil FEMSA Cerveza produced and/or distributed 13 brands of beer in 12 different presentations resulting in a portfolio of 75 different product offerings. The most important brands in FEMSA Cerveza’s Brazilian portfolio include: Kaiser, Bavaria, Sol, Heineken and Xingu. These five brands, all of which are distributed nationwide in Brazil, accounted for approximately 93% of FEMSA Cerveza’s Brazil beer sales volume in 2006.

Beer Presentations

In its Brazilian breweries, FEMSA Cerveza produces and distributes beer in returnable glass bottles and kegs and in non-returnable aluminum cans and glass bottles. FEMSA Cerveza uses the term presentation to reflect these packaging options. The following table shows the percent of beer sales volume by presentation for the year ended December 31, 2006:

FEMSA Cerveza’s Beer Volume by Presentation, Brazilian breweries

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Presentation

   Percentage  

Returnable bottles

   55.2 %

Non-returnable presentations

   44.8  
      

Total

   100.0 %
      

Primary Distribution

FEMSA Cerveza’s primary distribution in Brazil is from its production facilities to the warehouses of the various Coca-Cola franchise bottlers in Brazil. There are 18 Coca-Cola bottlers across Brazil, including subsidiaries of Coca-Cola FEMSA, each responsible for a certain geographic territory.

Retail Sales and Distribution

FEMSA Cerveza relies on the 18 different bottlers of the Coca-Cola system across Brazil for the sale and secondary distribution of our beers. The bottlers leverage their infrastructure, sales force, expertise, distribution assets and refrigeration equipment at the point of sale to offer a broad portfolio of products to the retailer.

Plants and Facilities

FEMSA Cerveza currently operates eight breweries in Brazil with an aggregate monthly production capacity of 1.7 million hectoliters, equivalent to approximately 19.8 million hectoliters of annual capacity. Six of FEMSA Cerveza’s eight Brazilian breweries have received ISO 9002 certifications. A key consideration in the selection of a site for a brewery is its proximity to potential markets, as the cost of transportation is a critical component of the overall cost of beer to the consumer. FEMSA Cerveza’s Brazilian breweries are strategically located across the country, as shown in the table below, to better serve FEMSA Cerveza’s distribution system.

 

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FEMSA Cerveza Facility Allocation in Brazil

as of December 31, 2006

LOGO

FEMSA Cerveza Facility Capacity Summary in Brazil

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Brewery

  

Average

Annualized
Capacity

 
   (in thousands
of hectoliters)
 

Jacareí

   7,800  

Ponta Grossa

   3,200  

Araraquara

   2,800  

Feira de Santana

   2,000  

Pacatuba

   1,600  

Gravataí

   1,700  

Cuiabá

   400  

Manaus

   300  
      

Total

   19,800  
      

Average capacity utilization

   47.8 %
      

Exports

FEMSA Cerveza’s principal export market is the United States and its export strategy focuses on that country. In particular, FEMSA Cerveza concentrates efforts on its core markets located in the sun-belt states bordering Mexico, while seeking to develop its brands in key imported beer markets located in the eastern United States. FEMSA Cerveza believes that these two regions of the United States represent its greatest potential market outside of Mexico.

 

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Prior to January 1, 2005, Labatt USA was the importer of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands in the United States. On June 21, 2004, FEMSA Cerveza and two of its subsidiaries entered into distributor and sublicense agreements with Heineken USA. In accordance with these agreements, on January 1, 2005, Heineken USA became the exclusive importer, marketer and seller of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands in the United States. These agreements will expire on December 31, 2007. In addition, in April 2007 FEMSA Cerveza and Heineken USA entered into a new ten-year agreement pursuant to which Heineken USA will continue to be the exclusive importer, marketer and distributor of FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States through 2017.

Export beer sales volume of 2.811 million hectoliters in 2006 represented 7.4% of FEMSA Cerveza’s total beer sales volume and accounted for 8.1% of FEMSA Cerveza’s total beer sales. The following table highlights FEMSA Cerveza’s export beer sales volumes and export beer sales:

FEMSA Cerveza Export Summary

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

Export beer sales volume(1)

   2,811     2,438     2,240     1,982     1,955  

Volume growth(2)

   15.3 %   8.8 %   13.0 %   1.4 %   6.1 %

Percent of total beer sales volumes(3)

   7.4 %   9.0 %   8.7 %   8.1 %   8.2 %

Mexican pesos(4) (millions)

   2,869     2,515     1,860     1,609     1,441  

U.S. dollars(5) (millions)

   256     227     156     133     127  

Revenue growth (US$)(2)

   13.0 %   45.8 %   16.7 %   4.6 %   3.7 %

Percent of total beer sales

   8.1 %   10.2 %   8.1 %   7.2 %   6.5 %

Source: FEMSA Cerveza.

 

(1) Thousands of hectoliters.

 

(2) Percentage change over prior year.

 

(3) Reflects Brazilian operations in 2006.

 

(4) Constant Mexican pesos at December 31, 2006.

 

(5) Export beer sales are invoiced and collected in U.S. dollars.

FEMSA Cerveza currently exports its products to more than 50 countries. The principal export markets for FEMSA Cerveza are North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. In 2006, export beer sales volume to these regions accounted for 90.5%, 4.2%, 3.4% and 1.9%, respectively, of FEMSA Cerveza’s export beer sales volume.

FEMSA Cerveza’s principal export brands are Tecate, XX Lager, Dos Equis (Amber) and Sol. These brands collectively accounted for 94% of FEMSA Cerveza’s export sales volume for the year ended December 31, 2006.

FEMSA Comercio

Overview and Background

FEMSA Comercio operates the largest chain of convenience stores in Mexico, measured in terms of number of stores as of December 31, 2006, under the trade name Oxxo. As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA Comercio operated 4,847 Oxxo stores located in 29 states of the country, with a particularly strong presence in the northern part of Mexico.

FEMSA Comercio, the largest single customer of FEMSA Cerveza and of the Coca-Cola system in Mexico, was established by FEMSA in 1978 when two Oxxo stores were opened in Monterrey, one store in Mexico City and another store in Guadalajara. The motivating factor behind FEMSA’s entrance into the retail industry was to enhance beer sales through company-owned retail outlets as well as to gather information on customer preferences. In 2006, sales of beer through Oxxo represented 9.9% of FEMSA Cerveza’s Mexican beer sales volume as well as approximately 13.5% of FEMSA Comercio’s revenues. In 2006, a typical Oxxo store carried 1,828 different store keeping units (SKUs) in 31 main product categories, representing a significant increase in the product offering historically carried by Oxxo stores.

 

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In recent years, FEMSA Comercio has gained importance as an effective distribution channel for our beverage products, as well as a rapidly growing point of contact with our consumers. Based on the belief that location plays a major role in the long-term success of a retail operation such as a convenience store, as well as a role in our continually improving ability to accelerate and streamline the new-store development process, FEMSA Comercio has focused on a strategy of rapid, profitable growth. FEMSA Comercio opened 582, 668, 675 and 706 net new Oxxo stores in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The accelerated expansion yielded total revenue growth of 18.7% to reach Ps. 35,500 million in 2006, while same store sales increased 8.2%, which was considerably higher than the retail industry average. FEMSA Comercio served approximately 1,168 million customers in 2006 compared to 978 million in 2005.

Business Strategy

A fundamental element of FEMSA Comercio’s business strategy is to utilize its position in the convenience store market to grow in a cost-effective and profitable manner. As a market leader in convenience store retailing, based on internal company surveys, management believes that FEMSA Comercio has an in-depth understanding of its markets and significant expertise in operating a national store chain. FEMSA Comercio intends to continue increasing its store base while capitalizing on the market knowledge gained at existing stores.

FEMSA Comercio has developed proprietary models to assist in identifying appropriate store locations, store formats and product categories. Its model utilizes location-specific demographic data and FEMSA Comercio’s experience in similar locations to fine tune the store format and product offerings to the target market. Market segmentation is becoming an important strategic tool, and it should increasingly allow FEMSA Comercio to improve the operating efficiency of each location and the overall profitability of the chain.

FEMSA Comercio has made and will continue to make significant investments in information technology to improve its ability to capture customer information from its existing stores and to improve its overall operating performance. All products carried through Oxxo stores are bar-coded, and all Oxxo stores are equipped with point-of-sale systems that are integrated into a company-wide computer network. To implement revenue management strategies, FEMSA Comercio created a division in charge of product category management for products, such as beverages, fast food and perishables, to enhance and better utilize its consumer information base and market intelligence capabilities. FEMSA Comercio is implementing an ERP system, which will allow FEMSA Comercio to redesign its key operating processes and enhance the usefulness of its market information going forward.

FEMSA Comercio has adopted innovative promotional strategies in order to increase store traffic and sales. In particular, FEMSA Comercio sells high-frequency items such as beverages, snacks and cigarettes at competitive prices. FEMSA Comercio’s ability to implement this strategy profitably is partly attributable to the size of the Oxxo chain, as FEMSA Comercio is able to work together with its suppliers to implement their revenue-management strategies through differentiated promotions. Oxxo’s national and local marketing and promotional strategies are an effective revenue driver and a means of reaching new segments of the population while strengthening the Oxxo brand. For example, the organization has refined its expertise in executing cross promotions (discounts on multi-packs or sales of complementary products at a special price) and targeted promotions to attract new customer segments, such as housewives, by expanding the offerings in the grocery product category in certain stores.

Store Locations

With 4,847 Oxxo stores in Mexico as of December 31, 2006, FEMSA Comercio operates the largest convenience store chain in Latin America measured by number of stores. Oxxo stores are concentrated in the northern part of Mexico, but also have a growing presence in central Mexico and the Gulf coast.

 

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LOGO

FEMSA Comercio has aggressively expanded its number of stores over the past several years. The average investment required to open a new store varies, depending on location and format and whether the store is opened in an existing retail location or requires construction of a new store. FEMSA Comercio is generally able to use supplier credit to fund the initial inventory of new stores.

Growth in Total Oxxo Stores

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

Total Oxxo stores

   4,847     4,141     3,466     2,798     2,216  

Store growth (% change over previous year)

   17.0 %   19.5 %   23.9 %   26.3 %   24.6 %

FEMSA Comercio currently expects to continue the growth trend established over the past several years by emphasizing growth in areas of high economic potential in existing markets and by expanding in underserved and unexploited markets. Management believes that the southeast part of Mexico is particularly underserved by the convenience store industry.

The identification of locations and pre-opening planning in order to optimize the results of new stores are important elements in FEMSA Comercio’s growth plan. FEMSA Comercio continuously reviews store performance against certain operating and financial benchmarks to optimize the overall performance of the chain. Stores unable to maintain benchmark standards are generally closed. Between December 31, 2002 and 2006, the total number of Oxxo stores increased by 2,631, which resulted from the opening of 2,716 new stores and the closing of 85 existing stores.

 

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Competition

Oxxo competes in the convenience store segment of the retail market with 7-Eleven, Super Extra, Circle-K and AM/PM, as well as other local convenience stores. The format of these stores is similar to the format of the Oxxo stores. Oxxo competes both for consumers and for new locations for stores and the managers to operate those stores. Based on an internal market survey conducted by FEMSA Comercio, management believes that, as of December 31, 2006, there were approximately 7,856 stores in Mexico that could be considered part of the convenience store segment of the retail market. Oxxo is the largest chain in Mexico, operating more than half of these stores. Furthermore, FEMSA Comercio operates in 29 states and has much broader geographical coverage than any of its competitors in Mexico.

Market and Store Characteristics

Market Characteristics

FEMSA Comercio is placing increased emphasis on market segmentation and differentiation of store formats to more appropriately serve the needs of customers on a location-by-location basis. The principal segments include residential neighborhoods, commercial and office locations and stores near schools and universities, along with other types of specialized locations.

Approximately 68% of Oxxo’s customers are between the ages of 15 and 35. FEMSA Comercio also segments the market according to demographic criteria, including income level.

Store Characteristics

The average size of an Oxxo store is approximately 111 square meters of selling space, excluding space dedicated to refrigeration, storage or parking. The average constructed area of a store is approximately 186 square meters and, when parking areas are included, the average store size increases to approximately 438 square meters.

FEMSA Comercio—Operating Indicators

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  
     (percentage increase compared to previous year)  

Total FEMSA Comercio revenues

   18.7 %   21.8 %   24.8 %   24.5 %   18.2 %

Oxxo same-store sales(1)

   8.2 %   8.7 %   8.9 %   8.2 %   6.0 %
     (percentage of total)  

Beer-related data:

          

Beer sales as % of total store sales

   13.5 %   13.0 %   13.4 %   12.8 %   13.3 %

Oxxo store sales as a % of FEMSA Cerveza’s volume

   9.9 %   8.6 %   7.3 %   5.4 %   4.5 %

 

(1) Same-store sales growth is calculated by comparing the sales of stores for each year that have been in operation for at least 13 months with the sales of those same stores during the previous year.

Beer, telephone cards, soft drinks and cigarettes represent the main product categories for Oxxo stores. FEMSA Comercio has a distribution agreement with FEMSA Cerveza. As a result of this agreement, Oxxo stores only carry beer brands produced and distributed by FEMSA Cerveza. Prior to 2001, Oxxo stores had informal agreements with Coca-Cola bottlers, including Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories in central Mexico, to sell only their products. Since 2001, a limited number of Oxxo stores began selling Pepsi products in certain cities in northern Mexico, as part of a defensive competitive strategy.

Approximately 84% of Oxxo stores are operated by independent managers responsible for all aspects of store operations. The managers are commission agents and are not employees of FEMSA Comercio. Each store manager is the legal employer of the store’s staff, which typically numbers six people per store. FEMSA Comercio continually invests in on-site operating personnel, with the objective of promoting loyalty, customer-service and low personnel turnover in the stores.

 

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Advertising and Promotion

FEMSA Comercio’s marketing efforts include both specific product promotions and image advertising campaigns. These strategies seek to increase store traffic and sales, and to reinforce the Oxxo name and market position.

FEMSA Comercio manages its advertising on three levels depending on the nature and scope of the specific campaign: local or store-specific, regional and national. Store-specific and regional campaigns are closely monitored to ensure consistency with the overall corporate image of Oxxo stores and to avoid conflicts with national campaigns. FEMSA Comercio primarily uses point of purchase materials, flyers, handbills and print and radio media for promotional campaigns, although television is used occasionally for the introduction of new products and services. The Oxxo chain’s image and brand name are presented consistently across all stores, irrespective of location.

Inventory and Purchasing

FEMSA Comercio has placed considerable emphasis on improving operating performance. As part of these efforts, FEMSA Comercio continues to invest in extensive information management systems to improve inventory management. Electronic data collection has enabled FEMSA Comercio to reduce average inventory levels. Inventory replenishment decisions are carried out on a store-by-store basis.

Management believes that the Oxxo chain’s scale of operations provides FEMSA Comercio with a competitive advantage in its ability to realize strategic alliances with suppliers. General category offerings are determined on a national level, although purchasing decisions are implemented on a local, regional or national level, depending on the nature of the product category. Given the fragmented nature of the retail industry in Mexico in general, Mexican producers of beer, soft drinks, bread, dairy products, snacks, cigarettes and other high-frequency products have established proprietary distribution systems with extensive direct distribution routes. As a result, approximately 52% of the products carried by the Oxxo chain are delivered directly to the stores by suppliers. Other products with longer shelf lives are distributed to stores by FEMSA Comercio’s distribution system, which includes seven regional warehouses located in Monterrey, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Mexicali, Mérida, León and Chihuahua. The distribution centers operate a fleet of approximately 230 trucks that make deliveries to each store approximately every week.

Seasonality

Oxxo stores experience periods of high demand in December, as a result of the holidays, and in July and August, as a result of increased consumption of beer and soft drinks during the hot summer months. The months of November and February are generally the weakest sales months for Oxxo stores. In general, colder weather during these months reduces store traffic and consumption of cold beverages.

Other Stores

FEMSA Comercio also operates other stores under the names Bara, Six and Matador.

Other Business Segment

Our other business segment consists of the following smaller operations that support our core operations:

 

   

Our commercial refrigerators, labels and flexible packaging subsidiaries. The refrigeration business produces vertical and horizontal commercial refrigerators for the soft drink, beer and food industries, with an annual capacity of 180,300 units at December 31, 2006. In 2006, this business sold 175,166 refrigeration units, 14% of which were sold to FEMSA Cerveza, 21.1% of which were sold to Coca-Cola FEMSA and the remainder of which were sold to third parties. The labeling and flexible packaging business has its facility in Monterrey with an annual production capacity of 13,500 tons of flexible packaging. In 2006, this business sold 23% of its label sales volume to FEMSA Cerveza, 11% to Coca-Cola FEMSA and 66% to third parties. Management believes that growth at these businesses will continue to reflect the marketing strategies of Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza.

 

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Our logistics services subsidiary provides logistics services to Coca-Cola FEMSA, FEMSA Empaques, the packaging operations of FEMSA Cerveza, FEMSA Comercio and third party clients that either supply or participate directly in the Mexican beverage industry or in other industries. This business provides integrated logistics support for its clients’ supply chain, including the management of carriers and other supply chain services.

 

   

One of our subsidiaries is the owner of the Mundet brands of soft drinks and certain concentrate production equipment, which are licensed to and produced and distributed by Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

   

Our corporate services subsidiary employs all of our corporate staff, including the personnel managing the areas of finance, corporate accounting, taxation, legal, financial and strategic planning, human resources and internal audit. Through this subsidiary, we direct, control, supervise and review the operations of our sub-holding companies. FEMSA Cerveza, FEMSA Comercio and our packaging subsidiaries pay management fees for the services provided to them. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA have each entered into a services agreement pursuant to which they pay for specific services.

Description of Property, Plant and Equipment

As of December 31, 2006, we owned all of our manufacturing facilities and substantially all of our warehouses and distribution centers. Our properties primarily consisted of production and distribution facilities for our beer and soft drink operations and office space. In addition, FEMSA Comercio owns approximately 12.7% of the Oxxo store locations, while the other stores are located in properties that are rented under long-term lease arrangements with third parties.

The table below sets forth the location, principal use and production area of our production facilities, and the sub-holding company that owns such facilities.

 

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Production Facilities of FEMSA

As of December 31, 2006

 

Sub-holding Company

  

Location

  

Principal Use

   Production Area
               (in thousands of
sq. meters)

Coca-Cola FEMSA

        

Mexico

   San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    45
   Cedro, Distrito Federal    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    18
   Cuautitlán, Estado de México    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    35
   Los Reyes la Paz, Estado de México    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    50
   Toluca, Estado de México    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    242
   Celaya, Guanajuato    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    87
   León, Guanajuato    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    38
   Morelia, Michoacan    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    50
   Juchitán, Oaxaca    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    27
   Ixtacomitán, Tabasco    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    90
   Apizaco, Tlaxcala    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    80
   Coatepec, Veracruz    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    142

Guatemala

   Guatemala City    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    46

Nicaragua

   Managua    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    60

Costa Rica

   San José    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    52

Panama

   Panama City    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    29

Colombia

   Barranquilla    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    27
   Bogotá    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    84
   Bucaramanga    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    26
   Cali    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    87
   Manantial    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    67
   Medellín    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    45

Venezuela

   Antimano    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    14
   Barcelona    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    141
   Maracaibo    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    68
   Valencia    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    100

Brazil

   Campo Grande    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    36
   Jundiaí    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    191
   Moji das Cruzes    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    95

Argentina

   Alcorta    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    73

 

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Sub-holding Company

  

Location

  

Principal Use

   Production Area
               (in thousands of
sq. meters)

FEMSA Cerveza

        
   Tecate, Baja California Norte    Brewery    586
   Toluca, Estado de México    Brewery    375
   Guadalajara, Jalisco    Brewery    117
   Monterrey, Nuevo León    Brewery    438
   Navojoa, Sonora    Brewery    517
   Orizaba, Veracruz    Brewery    324
   Pachuca, Hidalgo    Malt Plant    31
   San Marcos, Puebla    Malt Plant    110
   Ensenada, Baja California Norte    Beverage Cans    33
   Toluca, Estado de México    Beverage Cans    22
   Monterrey, Nuevo León    Crown Caps and Can Lids    51
   Acayucan, Veracruz    Silica Sand Mine    7
   Nogales, Veracruz    Bottle Decoration    26
   Orizaba, Veracruz    Glass Bottles    23

Brazil

        
   Jacareí    Brewery    72
   Ponta Grossa    Brewery    44
   Araraquara    Brewery    38
   Feira de Santana    Brewery    26
   Pacatuba    Brewery    34
   Gravataí    Brewery    23
   Cuiabá    Brewery    20
   Manaus    Brewery    11

Insurance

We maintain an “all risk” insurance policy covering our properties (owned and leased), machinery and equipment and inventories as well as losses due to business interruptions. The policy covers damages caused by natural disaster, including hurricane, hail, earthquake and damages caused by human acts, including explosion, fire, vandalism, riot and losses incurred in connection with goods in transit. In addition, we maintain an “all risk” liability insurance policy that covers product liability. We purchase our insurance coverage through an insurance broker. The policies are issued by Allianz México, S.A., Aseguradora, and the coverage is partially reinsured in the international reinsurance market. We believe that our coverage is consistent with the coverage maintained by similar companies operating in Mexico.

Capital Expenditures and Divestitures

Our consolidated capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were Ps. 8,888 million, Ps. 7,034 million and Ps. 7,508 million, respectively, and were for the most part financed from cash from operations generated by our subsidiaries. These amounts were invested in the following manner:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 2,615    Ps. 2,219    Ps. 2,162

FEMSA Cerveza

     4,212      3,086      3,409

FEMSA Comercio

     1,873      1,472      1,772

Other

     188      257      165
                    

Total

   Ps. 8,888    Ps. 7,034    Ps. 7,508

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA

During 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital expenditures focused on integration of its acquired territories, placing refrigeration equipment with retailers and investments in returnable bottles and cases, increasing plant operating efficiencies, improving the efficiency of its distribution infrastructure and advancing information technology. Capital expenditures in Mexico were approximately Ps. 1,466 million and accounted for most of its capital expenditures.

FEMSA Cerveza

Production

During 2006, FEMSA Cerveza invested approximately Ps. 519 million on equipment substitution and upgrades in its facilities. FEMSA Cerveza’s monthly installed capacity as of December 31, 2006 was 2.8 million hectoliters, equivalent to an annualized installed capacity of 33.7 million hectoliters. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza invested Ps. 625 million in plant improvements and equipment upgrades for its beverage can and glass bottle operations.

Distribution

In 2006, FEMSA Cerveza invested Ps. 506 million in its distribution network. Approximately Ps. 216 million of this amount was invested in the replacement of trucks in its distribution fleet, Ps. 175 million in land and buildings and improvements to leased properties dedicated to various distribution functions, and the remaining Ps. 115 million in other distribution-related investments.

Market-related Investments

During 2006, FEMSA Cerveza invested approximately Ps. 2,385 million in market-related activities and brand support in the domestic market. Approximately 60% of these investments were directed to customer agreements with retailers and commercial support to owned and third party distributors. Investments in retail agreements with tied customers that exceed a one-year term are capitalized and amortized over the life of the agreement. In general, FEMSA Cerveza’s retail agreements are for a period of three to four years. Other market-related investments include the purchase of refrigeration equipment, coolers, plastic furniture and other promotional items. These items are placed with retailers as a means of facilitating the retailers’ ability to service consumers and to promote the image and profile of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands.

Information Technology Investments

In addition, during 2006, FEMSA Cerveza invested Ps. 177 million in ERP and other system software projects.

FEMSA Comercio

FEMSA Comercio’s principal investment activity is the construction and opening of new stores. During 2006, FEMSA Comercio opened 706 net new Oxxo stores. FEMSA Comercio invested Ps. 1,839 million in 2006 in the addition of new stores and improvements to leased properties.

Regulatory Matters

Competition Legislation

The Ley Federal de Competencia Económica (the Federal Economic Competition Law or the Mexican Competition Law) became effective on June 22, 1993. The Mexican Competition Law and the Reglamento de la Ley Federal de Competencia Económica (the Regulations under the Mexican Competition Law), effective as of March 9, 1998, regulate monopolies and monopolistic practices and require Mexican government approval of certain mergers and acquisitions. The Mexican Competition Law subjects the activities of certain Mexican companies, including us, to regulatory scrutiny. In addition, the Regulations under the Mexican Competition Law prohibit members of any trade association from reaching any agreement relating to the price of their products. Management believes that we are currently in compliance in all material respects with Mexican competition legislation.

 

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In Mexico and in some of the other countries in which we operate, we are involved in different ongoing competition related proceedings. We believe that the outcome of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. See “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Coca-Cola FEMSA—Antitrust Matters” and “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—FEMSA Cerveza—Antitrust Matters.”

Environmental Matters

In all of the countries where we operate, our businesses are subject to federal and state laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.

Mexico

In Mexico, the principal legislation is the Ley General de Equilibrio Ecológico y Protección al Ambiente (the Federal General Law for Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection) or the Mexican Environmental Law and the Ley General para la Prevención y Gestión Integral de los Residuos (the General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste), which are enforced by the Secretaría del Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca (the Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries) or SEMARNAP. SEMARNAP can bring administrative and criminal proceedings against companies that violate environmental laws, and it also has the power to close non-complying facilities. Under the Mexican Environmental Law, rules have been promulgated concerning water, air and noise pollution and hazardous substances. In particular, Mexican environmental laws and regulations require that we file periodic reports with respect to air and water emissions and hazardous wastes and set forth standards for waste water discharge that apply to our operations. We are also subject to certain minimal restrictions on the operation of delivery trucks in Mexico City. We have implemented several programs designed to facilitate compliance with air, waste, noise and energy standards established by current Mexican federal and state environmental laws, including a program that installs catalytic converters and liquid petroleum gas in delivery trucks for our operations in Mexico City. See “—Coca-Cola FEMSA—Product Distribution.”

In addition, we are subject to the Ley Federal de Derechos (the Federal Law of Governmental Fees), also enforced by SEMARNAP. Adopted in January 1993, the law provides that plants located in Mexico City that use deep water wells to supply their water requirements must pay a fee to the city for the discharge of residual waste water to drainage. In 1995, municipal authorities began to test the quality of the waste water discharge and charge plants an additional fee for measurements that exceed certain standards published by SEMARNAP. All of our bottler plants located in Mexico City, as well as the Toluca plant, met these new standards as of 2001, and as a result, we were not subject to additional fees.

In 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA built a plastic recycling plant in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company and ALPLA, which manufactures plastic bottles for Coca-Cola FEMSA in Mexico. This plant, which started operations in March 2005, is located in Toluca, Mexico, and has a recycling capacity of 15,000 metric tons per year.

Central America

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Central American operations are subject to several federal and state laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, which have been enacted in the last ten years, as awareness has increased in this region about the protection of the environment and the disposal of dangerous and toxic materials. In some countries in Central America, Coca-Cola FEMSA is in the process of bringing its operations into compliance with new environmental laws. Also, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Costa Rica operations have participated in a joint effort along with the local division of The Coca-Cola Company called Proyecto Planeta (Project Planet) for the collection and recycling of non-returnable plastic bottles.

 

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Colombia

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Colombian operations are subject to several Colombian federal, state and municipal laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment and the disposal of toxic and dangerous materials. These laws include the control of atmospheric emissions and strict limitations on the use of chlorofluorocarbons. Coca-Cola FEMSA is also engaged in nationwide campaigns for the collection and recycling of glass and plastic bottles.

Venezuela

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Venezuelan operations are subject to several Venezuelan federal, state and municipal laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment. The most relevant of these laws are the Ley Orgánica del Ambiente (the Organic Environmental Law), the Ley Sobre Sustancias, Materiales y Desechos Peligrosos (the Substance, Material and Dangerous Waste Law) and the Ley Penal del Ambiente (the Criminal Environment Law). Since the enactment of the Organic Environmental Law in 1995, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Venezuelan subsidiaries have presented to the proper authorities plans to bring their production facilities and distribution centers into compliance with the law. While the laws provide certain grace periods for compliance with the new environmental standards, Coca-Cola FEMSA has had to adjust some of the originally proposed timelines presented to the authorities because of delays in the completion of some of these projects.

Brazil

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Brazilian operations are subject to several federal, state and municipal laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment. Among the most relevant laws and regulations are those dealing with the emission of toxic and dangerous gases and disposal of waste water, which impose penalties, such as fines, facility closures or criminal charges depending upon the level of non-compliance. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s production plant located in Jundiaí has been recognized by the Brazilian authorities for its compliance with environmental regulations and for having standards well above those imposed by the law. The plant has been certified for the ISO 9000 since March 1995 and the ISO 14001 since March 1997.

Argentina

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Argentine operations are subject to federal and provincial laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The most significant of these are regulations concerning waste water discharge, which are enforced by the Secretaría de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente Humano (the Ministry of Natural Resources and Human Environment) and the Secretaría de Política Ambiental (the Ministry of Environmental Policy) for the province of Buenos Aires. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Alcorta plant meets and is in compliance with waste water discharge standards.

We have expended, and may be required to expend in the future, funds for compliance with and remediation under local environmental laws and regulations. Currently, we do not believe that such costs will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, since environmental laws and regulations and their enforcement are becoming increasingly more stringent in our territories, and there is increased awareness of local authorities for higher environmental standards in the countries where we operate, changes in current regulations may result in an increase in costs, which may have an adverse effect on our future results of operations or financial condition. Management is not aware of any pending regulatory changes that would require a significant amount of additional remedial capital expenditures.

Water Supply Law

FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA purchase water in Mexico directly from municipal water companies and pump water from their own wells pursuant to concessions obtained from the Mexican government on a plant-by-plant basis. Water use in Mexico is regulated primarily by the Ley de Aguas Nacionales de 1992 (the 1992 Water Law), and regulations issued thereunder, which created the Comisión Nacional del Agua (the National Water Commission). The National Water Commission is charged with overseeing the national system of water use. Under the 1992 Water Law, concessions for the use of a specific volume of ground or surface water

 

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generally run for five, ten, fifteen and up to thirty-year terms, depending on the supply of groundwater in each region as projected by the National Water Commission. Concessionaires may request concession terms to be extended upon termination, which is a regular practice. These extensions are given for the same period of time given in the original concession. The Mexican government is authorized to reduce the volume of ground or surface water granted for use by a concession by whatever volume of water is not used by the concessionaire for three consecutive years. However, because the current concessions for each of FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA’s plants in Mexico do not match each plant’s projected needs for water in future years, we successfully negotiated with the Mexican government the right to transfer the unused volume under concessions from certain plants to other plants anticipating greater water usage in the future. These concessions may be terminated if, among other things, we use more water than permitted or we fail to pay required concession-related fees without curing such violations in a timely manner. We believe that we are in compliance with the terms of our existing concessions.

Although we have not undertaken independent studies to confirm the sufficiency of the existing or future groundwater supply, we believe that our existing concessions satisfy our current water requirements in Mexico. We can give no assurances, however, that groundwater will be available in sufficient quantities to meet our future production needs or that we will be able to maintain our current concessions.

We do not currently require a permit to obtain water in our other territories. In Nicaragua, Costa Rica and some plants in Colombia, we own private water wells. In the remainder of our territories, we obtain water from governmental agencies or municipalities. We can give no assurances that water will be available in sufficient quantities to meet our future production needs or that additional regulations relating to water use will not be adopted in the future.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is entirely qualified by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those financial statements. Our audited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Notes 27 and 28 to our audited consolidated financial statements provide a description of the principal differences between Mexican Financial Reporting Standards and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us, as well as U.S. GAAP consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the same periods presented for Mexican Financial Reporting Standards purposes and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income and stockholders’ equity. See “—U.S. GAAP Reconciliation.”

Overview of Events, Trends and Uncertainties

Management currently considers the following events, trends and uncertainties to be important to understanding its results of operations and financial position during the periods discussed in this section:

 

   

While Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mexican operations continue growing at a steady but moderate pace, operations in Central and South America are growing at accelerated rates. The Coca-Cola brand continues to deliver the majority of volume growth. However, the rising price of sweeteners represents uncertainty for our soft drink business generally.

 

   

At FEMSA Cerveza, total beer sales volumes have increased in Mexico, Brazil and in the export market. The high price of raw materials, particularly aluminum and barley, represent an uncertainty in our cost structure. Heineken USA has been distributing FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States since January 1, 2005 with very encouraging results, and we have signed a new agreement that extends this commercial relationship until December 2017.

 

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FEMSA Comercio continues to increase the number of Oxxo stores and to grow in terms of total revenues and as a percentage of our consolidated total revenues. FEMSA Comercio has lower operating margins than our beverage businesses. We expect to continue to expand the Oxxo chain during 2007.

Our results of operations and financial position are affected by the economic and market conditions in the countries where our subsidiaries conduct their operations, particularly in Mexico. Changes in these conditions are influenced by a number of factors, including those discussed in “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors.”

Recent Developments

FEMSA Stock Split

At our annual general ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on March 29 2007, our shareholders approved a three-for-one stock split in respect all of our outstanding capital stock. Following the stock split, our total capital stock consists of 2,161,177,770 BD Units and 1,417,048,500 B Units. Our stock split also resulted in a three-for-one stock split our ADSs. The stock-split was conduced on a pro-rata basis in respect of all holders of our shares and all ADSs holders of record as of May 25, 2007, and the ratio of voting and non-voting shares was maintained, thereby preserving our ownership structure as it was prior to the stock-split.

Acquisition of shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA

On November 3, 2006, we acquired from certain subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company 148,000,000 Series D Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA through our subsidiary CIBSA, representing 8.02% of the total outstanding stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA. We acquired these shares at a price of US$ 2.888 per share, or US$ 427.4 million in the aggregate, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding with The Coca-Cola Company entered into in connection with the Panamco acquisition. Following the acquisition, and as of May 31, 2007, we hold 53.73% of the total outstanding stock and 63.0% of the voting stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA in the form of Series A shares, The Coca-Cola Company holds 31.60% of the total outstanding stock and 37.0% of its voting stock in the form of Series D shares, and the public float remains unchanged with 14.67% of the total outstanding stock and no voting rights.

FEMSA Cerveza and Heineken USA Import Agreement for United States

On April 26, 2007, FEMSA Cerveza signed a new agreement with Heineken USA that will effectively extend its previously-existing 3-year import relationship with Heineken USA for an additional 10-year period. Pursuant to the new agreement, Heineken USA will continue to be the sole and exclusive importer, marketer and seller of the FEMSA Cerveza beer brands Dos Equis, Tecate, Tecate Light, Sol, Bohemia and Carta Blanca in the United States. This new agreement will become effective January 1, 2008, immediately following the expiration of the previous 3-year agreement with Heineken USA, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2017. The agreement seeks to expand FEMSA Cerveza’s volume growth and brand development, in part through increased marketing investment. Under the terms of the agreement, FEMSA Cerveza will receive a payment for granting Heineken USA exclusive distribution rights in the United States. Heineken in turn will receive an increased share of profitability.

Comparability of Information Presented-Panamco Acquisition

Under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, Panamco is included in our audited consolidated financial statements since May 2003 and is not included prior to this date. As a result, our consolidated financial information for the year ended December 31, 2003 is not comparable to subsequent periods. The acquisition of Panamco only impacts the comparability of our consolidated information and of the Coca-Cola FEMSA segment. The comparability of our remaining segments is not affected by the acquisition.

 

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Effects of Changes in Economic Conditions

Our results of operations are affected by changes in economic conditions in Mexico and in the other countries in which we operate. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, 78.0%, 82.0% and 80.0%, respectively, of our total sales were attributable to Mexico. After the acquisitions of Panamco and Kaiser, we have greater exposure to countries in which we have not historically conducted operations, particularly countries in Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil, although we continue to generate a substantial portion of our total sales from Mexico. The participation of these other countries as a percentage of our total sales may increase in future periods, in particular, as Kaiser is included in our consolidated financial information as of January 2006.

Our future results may be significantly affected by the general economic and financial positions in the countries where we operate, including by levels of economic growth, by the devaluation of the local currency, by inflation and high interest rates or by political developments, and may result in lower demand for our products, lower real pricing or a shift to lower margin products. Because a large percentage of our costs are fixed costs, we may not be able to reduce costs and expenses, and our profit margins may suffer as a result of downturns in the economy of each country. In addition, an increase in interest rates in Mexico would increase our cost of Mexican peso-denominated variable interest rate indebtedness and would have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. A depreciation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar would increase our cost of those raw materials, the price of which is paid in or determined with reference to the U.S. dollar, and our debt obligations denominated in U.S. dollars, and thereby may negatively affect our financial position and results of operations.

Operating Leverage

Companies with structural characteristics that result in margin expansion in excess of sales growth are referred to as having high “operating leverage.”

The operating subsidiaries of Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza are engaged, to varying degrees, in capital-intensive activities. The high utilization of the installed capacity of the production facilities results in better fixed cost absorption, as increased output results in higher revenues without additional fixed costs. Absent significant increases in variable costs, gross profit margins will expand when production facilities are operated at higher utilization rates. Alternatively, higher fixed costs will result in lower gross profit margins in periods of lower output.

In addition, the commercial operations of Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza are carried out through extensive distribution networks, the principal fixed assets of which are warehouses and trucks. The distribution systems of both Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza are designed to handle large volumes of beverages. Fixed costs represent an important proportion of the total distribution expense of both Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza. Generally, the higher the volume that passes through the distribution system, the lower the fixed distribution cost as a percentage of the corresponding revenues. As a result, operating margins improve when the distribution capacity is operated at higher utilization rates. Alternatively, periods of decreased utilization because of lower volumes will negatively affect our operating margins.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our audited consolidated financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect (1) the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, (2) the disclosure of our contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (3) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and judgments on our historical experience and on various other reasonable factors that together form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis. Our significant accounting policies are described in note 4 to our audited consolidated financial statements. We believe our most critical accounting policies that imply the application of estimates and/or judgments are the following:

 

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Allowance for doubtful accounts

We determine our allowance for doubtful accounts based on an evaluation of the aging of our receivable portfolio. The amount of the allowance considers our historical loss rate on receivables and the economic environment in which we operate. Our beer operations represent the most important part of the consolidated allowance for doubtful accounts as a result of the credit that FEMSA Cerveza extends to retailers, on terms and conditions in accordance with industry practices. Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Comercio sales are generally realized in cash.

Bottles and cases; allowance for bottle breakage

Returnable bottles and cases are recorded at acquisition cost and restated to their replacement cost. For the year ended December 31, 2005, FEMSA Cerveza classified returnable bottles and cases as inventory. Beginning on January 1, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza classifies bottles and cases as long-lived assets in accordance with their estimated useful lives. For FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA, breakage is expensed as incurred, and returnable bottles and cases are not depreciated. Whenever we decide to discontinue a particular returnable presentation and retire it from the market, we write-off the discontinued presentation through an increase in the breakage expense. We determine depreciation of bottles and cases only for tax purposes. FEMSA Cerveza beginning in 2005 for tax purposes, classifies bottles and cases as fixed assets and compute depreciation using the straight-line method at an annual rate of 10%. This change in classification did not impact the total amount of taxes payable, but in 2005, it generated surcharges over taxes not paid in prior years.

We periodically compare the carrying value of bottle breakage expense with the calculated depreciation expense of our returnable bottles and cases in plant and distribution centers, estimating a useful life of five years for glass beer bottles, four years for returnable glass soft drink bottles and plastic cases and one year for returnable plastic bottles. These useful lives are determined in accordance with our business experience. The annual calculated depreciation expense has been similar to the annual carrying value of bottle breakage expense. Whenever we decide to discontinue a particular returnable presentation and retire it from the market, we write off the discontinued presentation through an increase in breakage expense.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives represent the period we expect the assets to remain in service and to generate revenues. We base our estimates on independent appraisals and the experience of our technical personnel.

We describe the methodology used to restate imported equipment in note 4 (g) to our audited consolidated financial statements, which includes applying the exchange and inflation rates of the country of origin utilized as permitted by Mexican Financial Reporting Standards. We believe this method more accurately presents the fair value of the assets than restated cost determined by applying inflation factors.

We valued at fair value all fixed assets acquired, considering their operating conditions and the future cash flows expected to be generated based on their estimated remaining useful life as determined by management.

During 2005, we began to re-examine our refrigeration equipment for accounting purposes and to evaluate its general functionality. Our examination focused mainly on electrical functioning, maintenance, reliability of internal controls over this equipment and supplier confirmations regarding physical conditions and the estimated remaining useful life of the equipment. Based on our experience, and our research regarding maintenance concerns and replacement plans for refrigeration equipment in general, we determined that we should increase the accounting estimate regarding the useful lives of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s refrigeration equipment used in its Mexican operations from five to seven years. This change was accounted for prospectively and led to a reduction in our depreciation expense of Ps. 127 million recognized in our 2006 consolidated results of operations. We are still examining refrigeration equipment in the remaining Coca-Cola FEMSA territories based on the same considerations used to evaluate the Mexican operations, and we expect to complete this project during 2007.

 

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Valuation of intangible assets and goodwill

We identify all intangible assets to reduce as much as possible the goodwill associated with business acquisitions. We separate intangible assets between those with a finite useful life and those with an indefinite useful life, in accordance with the period over which we expect to receive the benefits.

We determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition, and we assigned the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets. In certain circumstances this resulted in the recognition of an intangible asset. The intangible assets are subject to annual impairment tests. We have recorded intangible assets with indefinite lives, which consist of:

 

   

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products for Ps. 39,399 million as a result of the Panamco acquisition;

 

   

Trademarks and distribution rights for Ps. 10,897 million as a result of the acquisition of the 30% interest of FEMSA Cerveza and distribution rights acquired from a third-party distributor;

 

   

Trademarks and goodwill as a result of the acquisition of Kaiser for Ps. 3,706 million; and

 

   

Other intangible assets with indefinite lives that amounted to Ps. 746 million.

For Mexican Financial Reporting Standards purposes, goodwill is the difference between the price paid and the fair value of the shares and/or net assets acquired that was not assigned directly to an intangible asset. Goodwill is recorded in the functional currency of the subsidiary in which the investment was made and is restated by applying the inflation rate factors of the country of origin and the year-end exchange rate. Until December 31, 2004 under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, goodwill was amortized using the straight-line method over a period of no more than 20 years. The amount of goodwill amortization in 2004 was Ps. 15 million. In 2005, Bulletin B-7, “Adquisiciones de Negocios” (Business Acquisitions), was issued, which establishes that goodwill is no longer subject to amortization, being subject instead to an annual impairment test.

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

We continually review the carrying value of our goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment. We review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on our estimated discounted future cash flows to be generated by those assets. While we believe that our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect our evaluations.

Our evaluations during 2006 and up to the date of this annual report did not lead to any impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets. We can give no assurance that our expectations will not change as a result of new information or developments. Future changes in economic or political conditions in any country in which we operate or in the industries in which we participate, however, may cause us to change our current assessment.

Executory contracts

As part of the normal course of business, we frequently invest in the development of our beer distribution channels through a variety of commercial agreements with different retailers in order to generate sales volume. These agreements are considered to be executory contracts and accordingly the costs incurred under these contracts are recognized according to when performance occurs.

These agreements require cash disbursements to be made in advance to certain retailers in order to fund activities intended to generate sales volume. These advance cash disbursements are then compensated for as sales are invoiced. These disbursements are considered to be market-related investments, which are capitalized as other assets. The amortization of amounts capitalized is presented as a reduction of net sales in relation to the volume sold to each retailer. The period of amortization is between three and four years, which is the normal term of the commercial agreements.

We periodically evaluate the carrying value of executory contracts. If the carrying value is considered to be impaired, these assets are written down as appropriate. The accuracy of the carrying value is based on our ability

 

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to predict certain key variables such as sales volume, prices and other industry and economic factors. Predicting these key variables involves assumptions based on future events. These assumptions are consistent with our internal projections.

Labor liabilities

Our labor liabilities are comprised of pension plans liabilities, seniority premiums, post-retirement medical services and severance indemnities. The determination of our obligations and expenses for pension and other post-retirement benefits is dependent on our determination of certain assumptions used by independent actuaries in calculating such amounts. We evaluate these assumptions at least annually. In 2006, we approved a modification to our pension and retirement plans effective in 2007. Through 2006, our pension and retirement plans provided for lifetime monthly payments as a complement to the pension payment received from the Mexican Social Security Institute (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or “IMSS”). Our modified pension and retirement plans provide for one lump-sum payment in addition to pension received from the IMSS, which will supplement the beneficiary’s earnings.

Additionally, in 2006, we modified the long-term assumptions used in the actuarial calculations for Mexican subsidiaries based on changes in the company’s revised estimate of current prices for settling its related obligations as a result of recent stability in the Mexican economy. These assumptions are described in note 17 to our consolidated financial statements and include the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation costs. All our assumptions depend on the economic circumstances of each country where we operate.

These changes were accounted for as unrecognized prior service costs and unrecognized actuarial net loss and will be amortized over the expected service period of our personnel. The net effect of the changes mentioned above was an increase in pension and retirement plan, seniority premium and severance indemnity liabilities of Ps.768, Ps.18 and Ps.22 million, respectively.

In accordance with Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, actual results that differ from our assumptions (actuarial gains or losses) are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect our recognized expenses and recorded obligations in these future periods. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our pension and other post-retirement obligations and our future expense. The following table is a summary of the three key assumptions to be used in determining 2007 annual pension expense, along with the impact on pension expense of a 1% change in each assumed rate.

 

            Impact of Rate Change(2)  

Assumption

   2007 Rate(1)     +1%     -1%  
     (in real terms)     (in millions of Mexican pesos)  

Mexican and Foreign Subsidiaries:

      

Discount rate

   4.5 %   Ps. (709)     Ps. 556  

Salary increase

   1.5 %     509       (494 )

Return on assets

   4.5 %     (18 )     36  

(1) Calculated using a measurement dated as of December 2006.

 

(2) The impact is not the same for an increase of 1% as for a decrease of 1% because the rates are not linear.

Income taxes

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. We regularly review our deferred taxes for recoverability and/or payment, and establish a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional valuation allowances against our deferred taxes resulting in an impact in net income.

 

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On December 1, 2004, an amendment to the Mexican income tax law was published and became effective as of January 1, 2005. Under this amendment:

 

   

The statutory income tax rate decreased to 30% for 2005 and will be subsequently reduced by one percentage point per year through 2007, when the rate is 28%;

 

   

The tax deduction for inventory will be made through cost of sales, and the inventory balance as of December 31, 2004 will be taxable during the next four to twelve years, based on specific criteria provided in the tax regulations;

 

   

Paid employee profit sharing will be deductible for income tax purposes; and

 

   

The limit on stockholders’ participation in taxable income or loss from Mexican subsidiaries will be eliminated for tax consolidation purposes.

Based on this amendment, we adjusted our deferred income tax liability by applying different tax rates than those originally used to temporary differences according to their estimated dates of reversal. This resulted in a decrease of Ps. 647 million in 2004 of our deferred income tax liability and to the related reduction in deferred taxes in our income statement.

Tax and legal contingencies

We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to tax and legal proceedings as described in note 25 to our audited consolidated financial statements. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties including, but not limited to, court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental actions. Management periodically assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and accrues a liability and/or discloses the relevant circumstances, as appropriate. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss.

Derivative Financial Instruments

As we mention in note 4 (q) to our consolidated financial statements, beginning in 2005 we began to apply Bulletin C-10, “Instrumentos Financieros Derivados y Operaciones de Cobertura” (Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities), which requires us to measure all derivative financial instruments at fair value and recognize them in the balance sheet as an asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recorded each year in net income or as a component of cumulative other comprehensive income, based on the type of hedging instrument and the ineffectiveness of the hedge. The fair values of derivative financial instruments are determined considering quoted prices in recognized markets. If such instruments are not traded, fair value is determined by applying techniques based upon technical models supported by sufficient reliable and verifiable data, recognized in the financial sector. We base our forward price curves upon market price quotations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Other than as described below, we do not anticipate any significant impact on our consolidated balance sheet, results of operations, changes to our financial position or cash flows, as a result of our adoption of the new accounting standards described below.

 

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Under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards (Normas de Información Financiera, or NIF)

 

   

NIF B-3, Estado de resultados (Income Statement)

NIF B-3 sets the general standards for presenting and structuring the statement of income, the minimum content requirements and general disclosure standards. Consistent with NIF A-5, “Basic Elements of Financial Statements,” NIF B-3 now classifies revenues, costs and expenses, as ordinary and non-ordinary. Ordinary items (even if infrequent) are delivered from the primary activities representing an entity’s main source of revenue. Non-ordinary items are derived from activities other than those representing an entity’s main source of revenues. Consequently, the classification of certain transactions as special or extraordinary, according to former Bulletin B-3, which was previously in effect, was eliminated. As part of the structure of the income statement, ordinary items are required to be presented first and, at a minimum, present income or loss before income taxes, income or loss before discontinued operations, if any, and net income or loss. Presenting operating income is neither required nor prohibited by NIF B-3. Cost and expense items may be classified by function, by nature or a combination of both. When classified by function, gross income may be presented. Statutory employee profit sharing should now be presented as an ordinary expense (within other income (expense) pursuant to NIF No. 4 issued in January 2007) and should no longer be presented with income tax. Special items mentioned in particular Mexican Financial Reporting Standards should now be part of other income and expense, and items formerly recognized as extraordinary should be part of non-ordinary items. NIF B-3 is effective for financial periods beginning January 1, 2007.

 

   

NIF B-13, Hechos posteriores a la fecha de los estados financieros (Subsequent Events)

This standard requires that for (1) asset and liability restructurings and (2) creditor waivers to their right to demand payment in case the entity defaults on contractual obligations, in each case occurring in the period between the date of the financial statements and the date of their issuance, disclosure only needs to be included in a note to the financial statements while recognition of these items should take place in the financial statements for the period in which such event takes place. Previously, these events were recognized in the financial statements in addition to their disclosure. NIF A-7, “Presentation and Disclosure,” which has been in effect as of January 1, 2006, requires, among other things, that the date on which the issuance of the financial statements is authorized be disclosed as well as for the name of the authorizing management officer(s) or body (bodies) to be disclosed. NIF B-13 establishes that if the entity owners or others are empowered to modify the financial statements, such fact should also be disclosed. Subsequent approval of the financial statements by the stockholders or other body does not change the subsequent period, which ends when issuance of the financial statements is authorized. NIF B-13 is effective for financial periods beginning January 1, 2007.

 

   

NIF C-13, Partes relacionadas (Related Parties)

This standard broadens the concept of “related parties” to include (1) the overall business in which the reporting entity participates; (2) close family members of key officers; and (3) any fund created in connection with a labor-related compensation plan. In addition, NIF C-13 requires the following disclosure: (1) that the terms and conditions of consideration paid or received in transactions carried out between related parties are equivalent to those of similar transactions carried out by the reporting entity with independent parties, to the extent sufficient evidence exists as a basis for comparison; (2) any benefits granted to key officers; and (3) the name of the direct controlling company and, if different, name of the ultimate controlling company. Notes to comparative financial statements of prior periods should disclose the new provisions of NIF C-13. NIF C-13 is effective for financial periods beginning January 1, 2007.

 

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NIF D-6, Capitalización del resultado integral de financiamiento (Capitalization of Integral Result of Financing)

NIF D-6 establishes general capitalization standards that include specific accounting for financing in domestic and foreign currencies, or a combination of each. Some of these standards include: (1) a provision for the mandatory capitalization of integral result of financing directly attributable to the acquisition of qualifying assets; (2) a clarification that yields obtained from temporary investments before capital expenditures are made must be excluded from the amount capitalized, to the extent financing in domestic currency is used to acquire these assets; (3) a provision specifying that exchange gains or losses from foreign currency financing should be capitalized considering the valuation of associated hedging instruments, if any; (4) a methodology to calculate capitalizable integral result of financing relating to funds from generic financing; (5) a clarification that, in the context of land, integral result of financing may be capitalized if development is being undergone; and (6) the establishment of other conditions that must be met to capitalize integral result of financing, as well as rules indicating when integral of financing should no longer be capitalized. NIF D-6 is effective for financial periods beginning January 1, 2007.

Under U.S. GAAP

 

   

“Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and 140”, or SFAS No. 155

SFAS No.155 amends SFAS No.133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and SFAS No.140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.” SFAS No. 155 establishes that: (1) fair value re-measurement is permitted for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, (2) interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to SFAS No. 133 requirements, which is a clarification to past pronouncements (3) interests must be evaluated in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation, (4) concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives, which is a clarification to past pronouncements; (5) the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument is eliminated, which represents a change to SFAS No. 140. SFAS No.155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. We are in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

   

“Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140”, or SFAS No. 156

SFAS No. 156 amends SFAS No.140 with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities and establishes that entities must recognize servicing assets or servicing liabilities each time they undertake an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a servicing contract in certain specific situations. SFAS No. 156 also requires recognizing separately servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable, and also permits an entity to choose either the amortization method or the fair value measurement method to recognize servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. We are in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

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“Fair Value Measurements”, or SFAS No. 157

SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 also clarifies the definition of exchange price as the price between market participants in an orderly transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability in the market in which the reporting entity would transact for the asset or liability, that is, the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The changes to current practice resulting from the application of this statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

   

“Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”, or SFAS No. 158

SFAS No. 158 requires companies to measure the fair value of its plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. Companies no longer are permitted to measure the funded status of their plan(s) by being able to choose a measurement date up to three months prior to year end. This aspect of SFAS No. 158 is effective for all companies in fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, but does not impact our company, our results of operations or our cash flows, as our measurement date is the same as our fiscal year end. Retrospective application of SFAS No. 158 is not permitted.

 

   

“Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, or SFAS Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48

This interpretation provides detailed guidance for financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No.109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 requires a company to recognize the financial statement impact of a tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax effect is recognized at the largest amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Any difference between the tax position taken in the tax return and the tax position recognized in the financial statements using the criteria above results in the recognition of a liability in the financial statements for the unrecognized benefit. Similarly, if a tax position fails to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit taken in the tax return will also result in the recognition of a liability in the financial statements for the full amount of the unrecognized benefit. FIN No. 48 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 (including the first interim period for calendar-year companies) and the provisions of FIN No. 48 were applicable with respect to all tax positions under SFAS No. 109 upon initial adoption. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this interpretation will be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for that fiscal year. We are in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

   

“How Taxes Are Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement”, or Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 06-3

The scope of EITF Issue No. 06-3 includes any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value added, and certain excise taxes. The Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a tentative conclusion that the presentation of taxes mentioned above on either a gross (included in revenues and costs) or a net (excluded from revenues) basis is an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed pursuant to Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 22. In addition, for any such

 

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taxes that are reported on a gross basis, a company should disclose the amounts of those taxes in interim and annual financial statements for each period for which an income statement is presented if the amounts are significant. The disclosure of these taxes can be done on an aggregate basis. The tentative conclusion of the EITF requires only the presentation of additional disclosures and, as a result, an entity would not be required to reevaluate its existing policies related to taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer. However, if a company chooses to reevaluate its existing policies and elects to change the presentation of taxes within the scope of EITF Issue No. 06-3, it must follow the requirements of Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.” The EITF also reached a tentative conclusion that Issue No. 06-3 should be applied to financial reports for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006. Earlier application is permitted. We are in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Operating Results

The following table sets forth our consolidated income statement under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

      Year Ended December 31,  
      2006     2006     2005     2004  
     (in millions of U.S. dollars and constant Mexican pesos at
December 31, 2006)
 

Net sales

   $ 11,667     Ps. 125,994     Ps. 111,051     Ps. 101,637  

Other operating revenues

     40     433     585     679  
                          

Total revenues

     11,707     126,427     111,636     102,316  
                          

Cost of sales

     6,291     67,940     59,483     54,190  

Gross profit

     5,416     58,487     52,153     48,126  

Operating expenses:

        

Administrative

     778     8,400     7,466     7,245  

Selling

     3,028     32,697     28,284     25,917  
                          

Total operating expenses

     3,806     41,097     35,750     33,162  
                          

Income from operations

     1,610     17,390     16,403     14,964  

Interest expense

     (374 )   (4,040 )   (4,520 )   (4,076 )

Interest income

     65     707     684     613  
                          

Interest expense, net

     (309 )   (3,333 )   (3,836 )   (3,463 )

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     (20 )   (217 )   308     (23 )

Gain on monetary position

     129     1,395     1,169     2,112  

Market value loss on ineffective portion of derivative financial instrument

     (10 )   (109 )   (160 )   —    
                          

Integral result of financing

     (210 )   (2,264 )   (2,519 )   (1,374 )

Other expenses, net

     (104 )   (1,125 )   (452 )   (856 )
                          

Income before taxes and employee profit sharing

     1,296     14,001     13,432     12,734  

Taxes and employee profit sharing

     445     4,806     4,866     2,649  
                          

Consolidated net income

   $ 851     Ps. 9,195     Ps. 8,566     Ps. 10,085  
                          

Net majority income

     613     6,622     5,766     6,411  

Net minority income

     238     2,573     2,800     3,674  
                          

Consolidated net income

   $ 851     Ps. 9,195     Ps. 8,566     Ps. 10,085  
                          

 

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The following table sets forth certain operating results by reportable segment under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards for each of our segments for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
                       Percentage Growth  
     2006     2005     2004     2006 vs. 2005     2005 vs. 2004  
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos at December 31, 2006, except for
percentages)
 

Net sales

          

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 57,539     Ps. 53,601     Ps. 50,899     7.3 %   5.3 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   35,370     28,521     26,612     24.0 %   7.2 %

FEMSA Comercio

   35,500     29,898     24,556     18.7 %   21.8 %

Total revenues

          

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   57,738     53,997     51,276     6.9 %   5.3 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   35,599     28,690     26,848     24.1 %   6.9 %

FEMSA Comercio

   35,500     29,898     24,556     18.7 %   21.8 %

Cost of sales

          

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   30,196     27,522     26,227     9.7 %   4.9 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   15,271     11,564     11,048     32.1 %   4.7 %

FEMSA Comercio

   25,866     21,967     18,037     17.8 %   21.8 %

Gross profit

          

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   27,542     26,475     25,049     4.0 %   5.7 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   20,328     17,126     15,800     18.7 %   8.4 %

FEMSA Comercio

   9,634     7,931     6,519     21.5 %   21.7 %

Income from operations

          

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   9,456     9,218     8,459     2.6 %   9.0 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   5,915     5,590     5,101     5.8 %   9.6 %

FEMSA Comercio

   1,604     1,310     979     22.4 %   33.8 %

Depreciation

          

Coca-Cola FEMSA(1)

   2,393     2,385     2,177     0.4 %   9.5 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   1,684     1,558     1,604     8.1 %   (2.8 )%

FEMSA Comercio

   415     336     232     23.8 %   44.8 %

Gross margin(2)

          

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   47.7 %   49.0 %   48.9 %   (1.3 )%   0.2 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   57.1 %   59.7 %   58.8 %   (2.6 )%   0.9 %

FEMSA Comercio

   27.1 %   26.5 %   26.5 %   0.6 %   0.0 %

Operating margin(3)

          

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   16.4 %   17.1 %   16.5 %   (0.7 )%   0.6 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   16.6 %   19.5 %   19.0 %   (2.9 )%   0.5 %

FEMSA Comercio

   4.5 %   4.4 %   4.0 %   0.1 %   0.4 %

(1) Includes breakage of bottles of Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

(2) Gross margin calculated with reference to total revenues.

 

(3) Operating margin calculated with reference to total revenues.

 

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Results of Operations For Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005

FEMSA Consolidated

In 2006, FEMSA Cerveza acquired 99.83% of the Brazilian brewer, Cervejarias Kaiser, or Kaiser, through a series of transactions with Molson Coors and Heineken N.V. The following discussion of our consolidated results for 2006 fully reflects the inclusion of the results for Brazilian beer operations in 2006. However, because we did not own Brazilian beer operations prior to this period, our consolidated results and FEMSA Cerveza’s results for 2006 are not fully comparable to the prior period.

Total Revenues

Consolidated total revenues increased 13.2% to Ps. 126,427 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 111,636 million in 2005. All of FEMSA’s operations—soft drinks, beer and retail—contributed to this revenue growth. FEMSA Cerveza was the largest contributor to consolidated total revenue growth in 2006, representing approximately 47% of the increase, due to the inclusion of its newly acquired Brazilian beer operations and a 9.3% increase in Mexico beer sales, which reached Ps. 25,286 million in 2006. The remaining growth came primarily from FEMSA Comercio and Coca-Cola FEMSA. FEMSA Comercio’s total revenues increased 18.7% to Ps. 35,500 million, due in large part to the 706 net new stores opened during the year. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total revenues increased 6.9% to Ps. 57,738 million, mainly due to increased prices and strong volume growth throughout most of its nine countries of operation. This increase was partially offset by Mexico’s continued pricing pressure, which was partly compensated for by price improvements in the other areas.

Gross Profit

Consolidated cost of sales increased 14.2 % to Ps. 67,940 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 59,483 million in 2005. Approximately 79% of this increase resulted from FEMSA Comercio and its Oxxo store expansion, and to FEMSA Cerveza, which increased its cost of sales due to the acquisition of its Brazilian beer operations.

Consolidated gross profit increased 12.1% to Ps. 58,487 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 52,153 million in 2005. Approximately 51% of this increase resulted from FEMSA Cerveza, due to the inclusion of its newly acquired Brazilian operations. Gross margin decreased 0.4 percentage points to 46.3% of consolidated total revenues in 2006, compared to 46.7% of consolidated total revenues in 2005. The slight decline in consolidated gross margin from 2005 levels resulted from the inclusion of FEMSA Cerveza’s lower margin beer operations in Brazil, and the increased contribution of FEMSA Comercio in our consolidated financial results, which has lower gross margin relative to our other operations, typical of convenience and retail store formats.

Income from Operations

Consolidated operating expenses increased 15.0% to Ps. 41,097 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 35,750 million in 2005. Approximately 54% of this increase was due to FEMSA Cerveza, which increased expenses year-over-year due to the inclusion of its newly acquired Brazilian operations and increased selling expenses in the Mexican market, primarily for advertising and market-related initiatives. As a percentage of total revenues, consolidated operating expenses increase 0.5 percentage points to reach 32.5% in 2006 compared with 32.0% in 2005.

Consolidated administrative expenses increased 12.5% to Ps. 8,400 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 7,466 million in 2005. As a percentage of total revenues, consolidated administrative expenses decreased 0.1 percentage points to reach 6.6% in 2006 compared with 6.7% in 2005. The lower level of administrative expenses relative to total revenue growth resulted from a 0.1% reduction in administrative expenses at Coca-Cola FEMSA and stable administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues at FEMSA Cerveza (excluding Brazil) and FEMSA Comercio.

 

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Consolidated selling expenses increased 15.6% to Ps. 32,697 million in 2006 as compared to Ps. 28,284 million in 2005. Approximately 54% of this increase was due to FEMSA Cerveza and the inclusion of its newly acquired Brazilian operations, and 29% to FEMSA Comercio’s rapid rate of growth. As a percentage of total beer revenues, selling expenses increased 0.6 percentage points to reach 25.9% in 2006 compared to 25.3% in 2005.

We incur various expenses related to the distribution of our products that are accounted for in our selling expenses. During 2006 and 2005, our distribution costs amounted to Ps. 9,190 million and Ps. 8,586 million, respectively. The exclusion of these charges from our cost of sales may result in the amounts reported as gross profit not being comparable to other companies that may include all expenses related to their distribution network in cost of sales when calculating gross profit or an equivalent measure.

Consolidated income from operations increased 6.0% to Ps. 17,390 million in 2006 as compared to Ps. 16,403 million in 2005. Over one-third of this increase resulted from FEMSA Cerveza and its top-line growth combined with gross margin improvements that offset increased operating expenses and the negative impact from the inclusion of the newly acquired Brazilian operations. The remaining amount is attributable to FEMSA Comercio and Coca-Cola FEMSA, representing approximately 30% and 24% respectively. Consolidated operating margin decreased 0.9 percentage points from 2005 levels to 13.8% of consolidated total revenues in 2006. The decrease in operating margin was primarily attributable to the inclusion of FEMSA Cerveza’s Brazilian beer operations, which generated a loss of Ps. 74 million due partly to increased marketing expenses for the brand Kaiser and in part to the launch of the brand Sol, to a margin contraction at our key beverage operations, and to the increased contribution of the Oxxo retail chain, which has the lowest operating margin relative to our other core beverage operations.

Some of our subsidiaries pay management fees to us in consideration for corporate services provided to them. These fees are recorded as administrative expenses in the respective business segments. Our subsidiaries’ payments of management fees are eliminated in consolidation and, therefore, have no effect on our consolidated operating expenses.

Coca-Cola FEMSA

Total Revenues

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total revenues increased 6.9% to Ps. 57,738 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 53,997 million in 2005. Net sales increased 7.3% to Ps. 57,539 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 53,601 million in 2005 and represented 99.7% of total revenues in 2006. Total revenue growth primarily resulted from Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico, accounting for approximately 34%, 18% and 17% of the incremental total revenues, respectively.

Sales volume reached 1,998 million unit cases in 2006 compared to 1,889 million unit cases in 2005, which represents an increase of 5.8%, mainly driven by a 6.4% volume growth of the Coca-Cola brand, which accounted for almost 70% of incremental volume. Sales volume growth in Mexico and Brazil accounted for over 57% of our incremental volume. Carbonated soft drink sales volume grew 5.9% to 1,694.7 million unit cases, driven by incremental volume across all of our territories.

Average price per unit case (calculated by dividing net sales by total sales volume excluding beer in Brazil) remained flat in real terms at Ps. 28.36 (US$ 2.61) during 2006, due to price increases in all our territories except for Mexico and Argentina.

Gross Profit

Cost of sales increased 9.7% to Ps. 30,196 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 27,522 million in 2005. As a percentage of total sales, cost of sales increased 1.3 percentage points from 2005 to reach 52.3% of total revenues

 

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in 2006. The increase was mainly due to higher sweetener costs in all of our operations, combined with higher plastic bottle prices in some of our territories and higher packaging costs due to a packaging mix shift towards non-returnable presentations.

Gross profit increased 4.0% to Ps. 27,542 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 26,475 million in 2005, Brazil and Mexico accounted for over 45% of this growth. Gross margin decreased 1.3 percentage points due to higher cost per unit case in all of our territories, except Mexico and Argentina.

Income from Operations

Operating expenses increased 4.8% to Ps. 18,086 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 17,257 million in 2005 mainly as a result of salary increases ahead of inflation in some of the countries in which we operate, higher operating expenses due to increases in maintenance expenses and freight costs in some territories, and higher marketing investment in our major operations in connection with several initiatives intended to reinforce our presence in the market and to build brand equity. As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses declined from 32.0% in 2005 to 31.3% in 2006 due to higher fixed-cost absorption, driven by incremental volumes and higher average price per unit case. Administrative expenses increased 5.8% to Ps. 3,201 million in 2006 from Ps. 3,026 million in 2005. Selling expenses increased 4.6% to Ps. 14,885 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 14,231 million in 2005. At 25.8% of total revenues, selling expenses decreased 0.5 percentage points from 2005 levels.

After conducting a thorough analysis, performed by a third party, of the current conditions and expected useful life of our cooler inventories in our territories in Mexico, we decided to modify the useful life of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s coolers in Mexico from five to seven years. We made this decision based on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s equipment maintenance policy and our ability to better manage our cooler platform in the marketplace. This change in estimate, which was accounted for prospectively reduced our amortization expenses by Ps. 127 million in 2006, and increased our operating income by a similar amount.

Income from operations increased 2.6% to Ps. 9,456 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 9,218 million in 2005 as a result of higher fixed-cost absorption due to higher revenues. Growth in operating income in Colombia, Central America and Brazil more than compensated for flat operating income in Mexico and a decline in Venezuela and Argentina. Operating margin decreased by 0.7 percentage points to 16.4% in 2006 compared to 17.1% in 2005, mainly due to higher cost per unit case.

FEMSA Cerveza

Total Revenues

FEMSA Cerveza total revenues increased 24.1% to Ps. 35,599 million in 2006 as compared to Ps. 28,690 million in 2005. Net sales, which include beer and packaging sales, represented 99.4% of total revenues. This growth was primarily due to the inclusion of FEMSA Cerveza’s Brazilian operations, which represented approximately 62% of the increase in total revenues. The remaining growth came from a 9.6% increase in export beer sales, a 9.3% increase in Mexican beer sales and a 6.5% increase in packaging sales.

Mexico

Mexico sales volume increased 5.6% to 25.951 million hectoliters in 2006 compared to 24.580 million hectoliters in 2005. The increased product innovation, broader availability of our beers, successful execution at the point of sale, revenue management initiatives and continued strength in consumer demand, produced this top-line growth. Most notable was the growth of our Tecate Light and Sol brands, which through focused initiatives have shown improved brand equity and health indicators.

 

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Mexico price per hectoliter increased 3.6% to Ps. 974.4 in 2006 compared to Ps. 940.8 in 2005. This strength was driven by (1) the higher price realized from volume brought under direct distribution earlier in the year, (2) a positive mix effect and (3) revenue management and other initiatives aimed at optimizing price points per stock keeping unit and channel while selectively adjusting the margin offered to the retailer.

Brazil

Brazil sales volume was 8.935 million hectoliters in 2006. Brazil price per hectoliter was Ps. 476.6 in 2006.

Export

Export sales volume increased 15.3% to 2.811 million hectoliters in 2006 compared to 2.438 million hectoliters in 2005. This result was slightly above our expectations, in part due to the contribution of Heineken USA, which enabled us to outpace import category growth in the United States for a second year in a row.

Export price per hectoliter decreased 5.0% to Ps. 1,020.6 in 2006 compared to Ps. 1,074.1 in 2005. The decrease in export price reflects a negative foreign exchange rate effect due to the year-on-year real strengthening of the Mexican peso, and to a lesser extent due to presentation and channel mix effects as FEMSA Cerveza’s 24-ounce presentation of Tecate continued to grow in the off-premise trade.

Gross Profit

Cost of sales increased 32.1% to Ps. 15,271 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 11,564 million in 2005. As a percentage of total revenues, cost of sales increased 2.6 percentage points from 2005. The increase relative to total revenues growth resulted from the inclusion of our Brazilian beer operations, which has a lower gross margin compared to Mexico and exports. Excluding our Brazilian beer operations, as a percentage of revenues, cost of sales would have decreased 0.5 percentage points from 2005.

Gross profit reached Ps. 20,328 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 17,126 million in 2005, resulting in a gross margin of 57.1% as compared to 59.7%. The 2.6 percentage points decline from 2005 resulted from the inclusion of our Brazilian beer operations. Excluding our Brazilian beer operations, the gross margin would have improved 0.5 percentage points from 2005 due to the benefits of volume-driven fixed cost absorption and increased efficiency, which compensated for upward pricing pressure from raw materials, particularly aluminum.

Income from Operations

Operating expenses increased 24.9% to Ps. 14,413 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 11,536 million in 2005. Administrative expenses increased 14.1% to Ps. 4,091 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 3,585 million in 2005, of which 28% of the increase corresponds to the inclusion of our Brazilian beer operations and the remaining 72% reflects changes in the distribution network, enhancements to our infrastructure and compliance-related activities. Selling expenses increased 29.8% to Ps. 10,322 million in 2006 as compared with Ps. 7,951 million in 2005. Approximately 58% of the increase in selling expenses resulted from the inclusion of the Brazilian beer operations, with most of the remaining increase (approximately 30%) resulting from increased selling expenses in the Mexican market due to the expense structure of third-party volume brought into direct distribution in the year, incremental services provided to retailers whose margins we adjust, increased activation at the point of sale and a strengthened commercial sales structure.

Income from operations increased 5.8% to Ps. 5,915 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 5,590 million in 2005. This reflects an increase in total revenues on strong volume growth and pricing, combined with higher cost of sales and operating expenses. The inclusion of Brazil resulted in a reduction of Ps. 74 million in total income from operations.

 

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FEMSA Comercio

Total Revenues

FEMSA Comercio total revenues increased 18.7% to Ps. 35,500 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 29,898 million in 2005. The increase in total revenues was mainly a result of the aggressive expansion of the Oxxo convenience store chain, which added 706 net new Oxxo stores during 2006. As of December 31, 2006, we had 4,847 Oxxo stores nationwide. This is Oxxo’s 11th consecutive year of increasing the number of net new store openings.

Same-store sales of Oxxo increased an average of 8.2% in 2006, reflecting an increase in the average customer ticket of 2.8% and an increase in store traffic of 5.4%. This increase reflects rapid store expansion and stronger category management practices, such as tailored product offerings within the stores.

Gross Profit

Cost of sales increased 17.7% to Ps. 25,866 million in 2006, below total revenue growth, compared with Ps. 21,967 million in 2005. As a result, gross profit reached Ps. 9,634 million in 2006, which represented a 21.5% increase from 2005. Gross margin expanded 0.6 percentage points to reach 27.1% of total revenues, primarily due to the benefit from increased coordinated efforts with our suppliers to provide what we believe to be the right promotions and right products for consumers.

Income from Operations

Operating expenses increased 21.3% to Ps. 8,030 million in 2006 compared with Ps. 6,621 million in 2005. Administrative expenses increased 19.4% to Ps. 727 million in 2006 compared with Ps. 609 million in 2005, due to compliance-related expenses and administrative personnel to support the expanded store base. Selling expenses increased 21.5% to Ps. 7,303 million in 2006 compared with Ps. 6,012 million in 2005, due to an increase in expenses related to the development of direct distribution capabilities, opening of new administrative offices in Colima, Tapachula and Tuxtla, an increase in energy tariffs and consumption as we continue to add to our fast-food capabilities, and increased depreciation expense due to the ongoing renovation of certain Oxxo store formats.

Income from operations increased 22.4% to Ps. 1,604 million in 2006 compared with Ps. 1,310 million in 2005. This increase was above revenue growth, and contributed to a 0.1 percentage point increase in operating margin which reached 4.5% in 2006 compared with 4.4% in 2005.

FEMSA Consolidated—Net Income

Integral Cost of Financing

Net interest expense reached Ps. 3,333 million in 2006 compared with Ps. 3,836 million in 2005, resulting from a lower average interest rate of 8.8% in 2006 compared to 9.3% in 2005, and a reduction in peso denominated debt, which has a higher interest rate relative to dollar denominated debt.

Foreign exchange (loss/gain) amounted to a loss of Ps. 217 million in 2006 compared with a gain of Ps. 308 million in 2005. This loss resulted from the negative effect of the weakening of the Mexican peso on our U.S. dollar-denominated debt during 2006.

 

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Monetary position amounted to a gain of Ps. 1,395 million in 2006 compared with a gain of Ps. 1,169 million in 2005. The increase in the amount of our gain in 2006 compared with 2005 reflects the inflation on our increased liabilities recorded in 2006.

Taxes

Tax recognized in 2006, which includes income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing, amounted to Ps. 4,806 million compared to Ps. 4,866 million in 2005. The 1.2% decrease from 2005 is primarily due a reduction in corporate tax rates. Consequently, the effective tax rate (calculated as income before taxes and employee profit sharing divided by taxes and employee profit sharing) in 2006 was 34.3% compared to 36.2% in 2005.

Net Income

Net income increased 7.3% to Ps. 9,195 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 8,566 million in 2005. This increase was due to growth of 6.0% in income from operations combined with a 13.1% decrease in net interest expense, higher gains on monetary position of 19.3%, and a reduction in the effective tax rate, partially offset by an increase in other expenses.

Net majority income amounted to Ps. 6,622 million in 2006 compared with Ps. 5,766 million in 2005, an increase of 14.8% from 2005 levels. Net majority income per FEMSA Unit (consisting of FEMSA BD Units and FEMSA B Units) was Ps. 5.552 in 2006. Net majority income per FEMSA ADS, considering an exchange rate of Ps. 10.876 per dollar, was US$ 5.105 in 2006.

Results of Operations For Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

FEMSA Consolidated

Total Revenues

Consolidated total revenues increased 9.1% to Ps. 111,636 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 102,316 million in 2004. Consolidated net sales increased 9.3% to Ps. 111,051 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 101,637 million in 2004. All of FEMSA’s operations—soft drinks, beer, and retail—contributed positively to this high single-digit pace. FEMSA Comercio was the largest contributor to consolidated total revenue growth in 2005, representing approximately 60% of the increase. FEMSA Comercio’s total revenues increased 21.8% to Ps. 29,898 million, due in large part to the 675 net new stores opened during the year. Most of the remaining growth came from Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total revenues increased 5.3% to Ps. 53,997 million, mainly due to increased prices and volume growth in Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. FEMSA Cerveza posted total revenue growth of 6.9% to Ps. 28,690 million, due primarily to a 5.2% increase in total sales volume and a 2.3% increase in the total real price per hectoliter.

Gross Profit

Consolidated cost of sales increased 9.8% to Ps. 59,483 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 54,190 million in 2004. Approximately 74% of this increase resulted from FEMSA Comercio and its rapid pace of store expansion.

Consolidated gross profit increased 8.4% to Ps. 52,153 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 48,126 million in 2004, with Coca-Cola FEMSA, FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Comercio each representing approximately one-third of the increase. Gross margin decreased 0.3 percentage points to 46.7% of consolidated total revenues in 2005, compared to 47.0% of consolidated total revenues in 2004. We achieved an expanding or stable gross margin in all of our main business units and the slight decline in consolidated gross margin from 2004 levels resulted from the increased contribution of FEMSA Comercio in our consolidated financial results, which has a lower gross margin relative to our other operations.

 

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Income from Operations

Consolidated operating expenses increased 7.8% to Ps. 35,750 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 33,162 million in 2004. Approximately 42% of this increase was due to FEMSA Comercio’s rapid growth and 39% was attributable to FEMSA Cerveza, which increased selling expenses in connection with its new agreement with Heineken USA and also increased advertising for new products and presentations in the domestic market. As a percentage of total revenues, consolidated operating expenses declined 0.4 percentage points to reach 32.0% in 2005 compared with 32.4% in 2004.

Consolidated administrative expenses increased 3.1% to Ps. 7,466 million in 2005 versus Ps. 7,245 million in 2004. The lower level of administrative expenses relative to total revenue growth resulted from a 0.2% reduction in expenses at Coca-Cola FEMSA and a decrease in expenses as a percentage of total revenues at FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Comercio. As a percentage of total revenues, consolidated administrative expenses decreased 0.4 percentage points to reach 6.7% in 2005 compared with 7.1% in 2004.

Consolidated selling expenses increased 9.1% to Ps. 28,284 million in 2005 as compared to Ps. 25,917 million in 2004. Approximately 45% of this increase was due to FEMSA Comercio’s rapid rate of growth, and approximately 31% was due to FEMSA Cerveza’s increased expenses related to the new agreement with Heineken USA and increased advertising for new products and presentations in the domestic market. As a percentage of total revenues, selling expenses remained stable at 25.3% in 2005 compared with 25.3% in 2004.

We incur various expenses related to the distribution of our products that are accounted for in our selling expenses. During 2005 and 2004, our distribution costs amounted to Ps. 8,586 million and Ps. 7,807 million, respectively. The exclusion of these charges from our cost of sales may result in the amounts reported as gross profit not being comparable to other companies that may include all expenses related to their distribution network in cost of sales when calculating gross profit or an equivalent measure.

Consolidated income from operations increased 9.6% to Ps. 16,403 million in 2005 as compared to Ps. 14,964 million in 2004. Almost half of this increase resulted from Coca-Cola FEMSA and its solid top-line growth combined with reduced expenses. The remaining amount is attributable to FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Comercio, representing 34% and 23%, respectively. Consolidated operating margin increased 0.1 percentage points from 2004 levels to 14.7% of consolidated total revenues in 2005. The stable operating margin was primarily due to operating margin improvements at Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza that completely offset the increased contribution of FEMSA Comercio, which is our fastest growing business with the lowest operating margin relative to our other core operations.

Some of our subsidiaries pay management fees to FEMSA in consideration for corporate services provided to them. These fees are recorded as administrative expenses in the respective business segments. Our subsidiaries’ payments of management fees are eliminated in consolidation and, therefore, have no effect on our consolidated operating expenses.

Coca-Cola FEMSA

Total Revenues

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total revenues increased 5.3% to Ps. 53,997 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 51,276 million in 2004. Net sales increased 5.3% to Ps. 53,601 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 50,899 million in 2004 and represented 99.3% of total revenues in 2005. Total revenue growth primarily resulted from Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, accounting for approximately 55%, 29% and 16%, of the incremental total revenues, respectively.

Sales volume reached 1,889 million unit cases in 2005 compared to 1,812 million unit cases in 2004, which represents an increase of 4.3%. Most of the increase came from carbonated soft drink volume growth of 3.6% in 2005. The Coca-Cola brand accounted for over 50% of the incremental volume.

Average price per unit case (calculated by dividing net sales by total sales volume) increased 0.8% from Ps. 28.14 in 2004 to Ps. 28.37 in 2005. The increase was primarily due to price increases in all our territories except for Central America. Price increases implemented during the year mainly in Venezuela, Colombia and

 

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Argentina, combined with better packaging and product mix in Mexico and Brazil, resulted in higher average prices per unit case.

Gross Profit

Cost of sales increased 4.9% to Ps. 27,522 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 26,227 million in 2004. As a percentage of total revenues, cost of sales decreased 0.2 percentage points to reach 51.0% of sales in 2005, slightly below 2004 levels. Lower sweetener costs in Mexico and Colombia, combined with the appreciation of local currencies in the majority of our territories applied to U.S. dollar-denominated costs, more than compensated for increases in prices for resin used to produce plastic bottles.

Gross profit increased 5.7% to Ps. 26,475 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 25,049 million in 2004, resulting in a gross margin of 49.0%. Brazil and Mexico accounted for 90% of this growth. Gross margin improved 0.2 percentage points as a result of higher average prices per unit case in all our territories, except for Central America, and relatively stable average costs per unit case on a consolidated basis.

Income from Operations

Operating expenses increased 4.0% to Ps. 17,257 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 16,590 million in 2004. As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses declined from 32.3% in 2004 to 32.0% in 2005 due to higher fixed-cost absorption driven by incremental volumes and higher average price per unit case. Administrative expenses declined 0.2% to Ps. 3,026 million in 2005 from Ps. 3,033 million in 2004. Selling expenses increased 5.0% to Ps. 14,231 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 13,557 million in 2004. At 26.3% of total revenues, selling expenses decreased 0.1 percentage points from 2004 levels.

Income from operations increased 9.0% to Ps. 9,218 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 8,459 million in 2004. Growth in Mexico, Brazil and Colombia more than compensated for operating income decline in Central America and Venezuela. Operating margin improved by 0.6 percentage points to 17.1% in 2005 compared to 16.5% in 2004.

FEMSA Cerveza

Total Revenues

FEMSA Cerveza total revenues increased 6.9% to Ps. 28,690 million in 2005 as compared to Ps. 26,848 million in 2004. Net sales increased 7.2% to Ps. 28,521 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 26,612 million in 2004. Net sales, which include beer and packaging sales, represented 99.4% of total revenues. This growth was primarily due to total beer sales volume growth of 5.2%, a 2.3% increase in total real price per hectoliter and a 2.9% increase in packaging sales.

Mexican beer sales volume increased 4.9% to 24.580 million hectoliters in 2005 compared to 23.442 million hectoliters in 2004. The increased product innovation, broader availability of our beers supported by the expansion of Oxxo, successful execution at the point of sale, and revenue management initiatives produced this top-line growth. During the year, we rolled out an unprecedented amount of new products and presentations, launching 200 new SKUs throughout the country.

Export beer sales volume increased 8.8% to 2.438 million hectoliters in 2005 compared to 2.240 million hectoliters in 2004. This result was slightly above our expectations thanks to the work of Heineken USA, which enabled us to outpace import category growth in the United States. It has been one full year since Heineken USA became our U.S. importer, and we believe that the continued focus towards increasing the overall availability of our brands and improving our performance across the entire country will continue to be important for 2006.

Gross Profit

Cost of sales increased 4.7% in 2005 and as a percentage of total revenues decreased 0.9 percentage points from 2004. Cost of sales reached Ps. 11,564 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 11,048 million in 2004. Gross profit reached Ps. 17,126 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 15,800 million in 2004, resulting in a gross margin of 59.7%

 

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as compared to 58.8%. The gross margin expanded 0.9% as a result of higher prices per hectoliter in exports due to the new Heineken agreement structure, which did not apply in 2004, the strength of the Mexican peso as applied to U.S. dollar-denominated raw materials, and operating efficiencies.

Until January 1, 2005, we were a party to an agreement with Labatt USA for the sale of our beer in the U.S. market. Under this agreement, we sold our beer to Labatt USA at a price that gave Labatt USA margin sufficient to cover most of the selling and marketing expenses for our brands in the U.S. market and, as 30% owners of Labatt USA, we received an equivalent proportion of Labatt USA’s profits as equity income. Beginning on January 1, 2005, our exports to the U.S. market are through a new commercial agreement with Heineken USA. Under this new agreement, we export our beer to the U.S. market at a higher price than under our previous arrangement with Labatt USA, and we pay a significant component of the selling and marketing expenses of our brands in the U.S. market. We no longer have any equity participation in connection with our exports to the U.S. market.

Income from Operations

Operating expenses increased 7.8% to Ps. 11,536 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 10,699 million in 2004. Administrative expenses increased 2.7% to Ps. 3,585 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 3,491 million in 2004. Selling expenses increased 10.3% to Ps. 7,951 million in 2005 as compared with Ps. 7,208 million in 2004. Most of this increase was due to additional market spending under the new agreement with Heineken USA and increased domestic advertising spending for new products and presentations.

Income from operations increased 9.6% to Ps. 5,590 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 5,101 million in 2004. This reflects an increase in total revenues and reduced cost of sales relative to revenues, which more than compensated for increased operating expenses.

FEMSA Comercio

Total Revenues

FEMSA Comercio total revenues increased 21.8% to Ps. 29,898 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 24,556 million in 2004. The increase in total revenues was mainly a result of the aggressive expansion of the Oxxo convenience store chain, which added 675 net new Oxxo stores during 2005. As of December 31, 2005, we had 4,141 Oxxos nationwide. This is Oxxo’s 10th consecutive year of increasing the number of new store openings.

Same-store sales of Oxxo increased an average of 8.7% in 2005, reflecting an increase in the average ticket of 1.3% and an increase in store traffic of 7.2%. This increase reflects rapid store expansion and stronger category management practices, such as tailored product offerings within the stores.

Gross Profit

Cost of sales increased 21.8% to Ps. 21,967 million in 2005, in-line with total revenue growth, compared with Ps. 18,037 million in 2004. As a result, gross profit reached Ps. 7,931 million in 2005, which represented a 21.7% increase from 2004. Gross margin remained in-line with 2004 levels at 26.5%.

Income from Operations

Operating expenses increased 19.5% to Ps. 6,621 million in 2005 compared with Ps. 5,540 million in 2004. Administrative expenses increased 4.8% to Ps. 609 million in 2005 compared with Ps. 581 million in 2004. Selling expenses increased 21.2% to Ps. 6,012 million in 2005 compared with Ps. 4,959 million in 2004. In 2005, selling expenses represented 20.1% of total revenues, remaining in line with 2004 levels, which were 20.2%.

Income from operations increased 33.8% to Ps. 1,310 million in 2005 compared with Ps. 979 million in 2004. This increase was above revenue growth, and contributed to a 0.4 percentage point increase in operating margin which reached 4.4% in 2005 compared with 4.0% in 2004.

 

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FEMSA Consolidated—Net Income

Integral Result of Financing

Net interest expense reached Ps. 3,836 million in 2005 compared with Ps. 3,463 million in 2004, despite the reduction in overall debt, resulting primarily from higher interest expense due to the conversion through currency swaps of U.S. dollar denominated debt into Mexican pesos.

Foreign exchange (loss/gain) amounted to a gain of Ps. 308 million in 2005 compared with a loss of Ps. 23 million in 2004. This significant gain resulted from the positive effect of the strength of the Mexican peso on our U.S. dollar-denominated debt during 2005.

Monetary position amounted to a gain of Ps. 1,169 million in 2005 compared with a gain of Ps. 2,112 million in 2004. The decrease in the amount of our gain in 2005 compared with 2004 reflects the lower inflation on our reduced liabilities recorded in 2005.

Taxes

Tax recognized in 2005, which includes income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing, amounted to Ps. 4,866 million compared to Ps. 2,649 million in 2004. The 83.7% increase from 2004 is primarily due to a one-time deferred tax benefit that was recognized at Coca-Cola FEMSA in the amount of Ps. 1,410 million during that year. Consequently, the effective tax rate (calculated as income before taxes and employee profit sharing divided by taxes and employee profit sharing) in 2005 was 36% compared to 21% in 2004.

Net Income

Net income decreased 15.1% to Ps. 8,566 million in 2005 compared to Ps. 10,085 million in 2004. This decrease was due to higher taxes relative to 2004 because of the one-time deferred tax benefit recognized at Coca-Cola FEMSA during 2004, to higher interest expense as we continued to convert our U.S. dollar denominated debt into Mexican pesos and to a lower monetary gain due to the lower inflationary impact on our reduced liabilities recorded in 2005.

Net majority income amounted to Ps. 5,766 million in 2005 compared with Ps. 6,411 million in 2004, a decrease of 10.1% from 2004 levels. Net majority income per FEMSA Unit was Ps. 4.834 for full year 2005. Net majority income per ADS, considering an exchange rate of Ps. 10.711 per dollar, was US$ 4.51 in 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Each of our sub-holding companies generally finances its operational and capital requirements on an independent basis. As of December 31, 2006, 89.5% of our outstanding consolidated indebtedness was at the level of our sub-holding companies. This structure is attributable, in part, to the inclusion of third parties in the capital structure of Coca-Cola FEMSA. Currently, we expect to continue to finance our operations and capital requirements primarily at the level of our sub-holding companies. Nonetheless, we may decide to incur indebtedness at our holding company in the future to finance the operations and capital requirements of our subsidiaries or significant acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures. As a holding company, we depend on dividends and other distributions from our subsidiaries to service our indebtedness.

We continuously evaluate opportunities to pursue acquisitions or engage in joint ventures or other transactions. We would expect to finance any significant future transactions with a combination of cash from operations, long-term indebtedness and capital stock.

The principal source of liquidity of each sub-holding company has generally been cash generated from operations. We have traditionally been able to rely on cash generated from operations because a significant majority of the sales of Coca-Cola FEMSA, FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Comercio are on a cash or short-term credit basis, and FEMSA Comercio’s Oxxo stores are able to finance a significant portion of their initial and ongoing inventories with supplier credit. Our principal use of cash has generally been for capital expenditure

 

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programs, debt repayment and dividend payments. The following is a summary of the principal uses of cash for the three years ended December 31, 2006:

Principal Uses of Cash

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)  

Net resources generated by operations

   Ps. 16,139     Ps. 14,337     Ps. 16,654  

Capital expenditures(1)

     (8,888 )     (7,034 )     (7,508 )

Bank loans and notes

     4,527       (12,027 )     7,229  

Dividends declared and paid

     (1,406 )     (1,063 )     (907 )

 

(1) Includes property, plant and equipment plus intangible assets and other assets.

Our sub-holding companies generally incur short-term indebtedness in the event that they are temporarily unable to finance operations or meet any capital requirements with cash from operations. A significant decline in the business of any of our sub-holding companies may affect the sub-holding company’s ability to fund its capital requirements. A significant and prolonged deterioration in the economies in which we operate or in our businesses may affect our ability to obtain short-term and long-term credit or to refinance existing indebtedness on terms satisfactory to us.

We have traditionally financed significant acquisitions, principally Coca-Cola FEMSA’s acquisition of Coca-Cola Buenos Aires in 1994 and its acquisition of Panamco in May 2003 and our acquisition of the 30% interest in FEMSA Cerveza owned by affiliates of InBev in August 2004, capital expenditures and other capital requirements that could not be financed with cash from operations by incurring long-term indebtedness and through the issuance of equity.

Our consolidated total indebtedness was Ps. 40,181 million as of December 31, 2006, as compared to Ps. 36,105 million as of December 31, 2005. Short-term debt (including maturities of long-term debt) and long-term debt were Ps. 5,930 million and Ps. 34,251 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2006, as compared to Ps. 5,163 million and Ps. 30,942 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2005. Cash and cash equivalents were Ps. 7,936 million as of December 31, 2006, as compared to Ps. 8,558 million as of December 31, 2005.

We believe that our sources of liquidity as of December 31, 2006 were adequate for the conduct of our sub-holding companies’ businesses and that we will have sufficient funds available to meet our expenditure demands and financing needs in 2007.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The table below sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006:

 

     Maturity  
     Less than
1 year
    1 - 3 years     3 - 5
years
    In excess of 5
years
    Total  
     (in millions of Mexican pesos)  

Long-Term Debt

          

Mexican pesos(1)

   Ps. 2,082     Ps. 7,286     Ps. 8,909     Ps. 11,486     Ps. 29,763  

U.S. dollars(1)

     147       3,821       132       2,435       6,535  

Colombian pesos

     166       —         —         —         166  

Brazilian reais

     38       180       —         —         218  

Capital Leases

          

U.S. dollars

     7       2       —         —         9  

Interest payments(2)

          

Mexican pesos

     2,429       4,100       2,894       2,003       11,426  

U.S. dollars

     421       798       289       173       1,681  

Colombian pesos

     16       —         —         —         16  

Brazilian reais

     15       11       —         —         26  

Interest rate swaps(3)

          

Mexican pesos

     341       (1,506 )     (781 )     (107 )     (2,053 )

U.S. dollars

     —         —         —         —         —    

Cross currency and interest rate swap

          

Japanese yen to Brazilian reais(4)

     12       41       —         —         53  

Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars(5)

     —         (4 )     (13 )     —         (17 )

U.S. dollars to Colombian pesos(6)

     —         64       —         —         64  

Forward contracts

          

Agreements to purchase Mexican pesos(7)

     (41 )     —         —         —         (41 )

Agreements to purchase euros

     (2 )     —         —         —         (2 )

Operating leases

          

Mexican pesos

     1,037       2,072       1,956       6,470       11,535  

U.S. dollars

     508       291       46       —         845  

Colombian pesos

     5       3       —         —         8  

Brazilian reais

     62       130       87       —         279  

Argentine pesos

     4       —         —         —         4  

Commodity price contracts

          

U.S. dollars

     895       134       —         —         1,029  

Purchase obligations

     192       556       —         —         748  

Expected benefits to be paid for pension plans, seniority premiums, post-retirement medical benefits and severance indemnities

     534       827       821       2,000       4,182  

Other long-term liabilities(8)

     —         —         —         4,625       4,625  

(1) Includes the effect of a cross currency swap, pursuant to which ¥1,639 million of denominated in Japanese yen long-term debt is swapped for Brazilian reais, in the amount of Ps. 151 million.

 

(2) Interest was calculated using long-term debt as of and interest rate amounts in effect on December 31, 2006. The debt and applicable interest rates in effect are shown in note 19 to our audited consolidated financial statements. Liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars were translated to Mexican pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 10.8755 per U.S. dollar, the exchange rate quoted to us by dealers for the settlement of obligations in foreign currencies on December 31, 2006.

 

(3) Reflects the amount of future payments that we would be required to make. The amounts were calculated by applying the difference between the interest rate swaps and the nominal interest rates contracted to long-term debt as of December 31, 2006.

 

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(4) Includes (1) the cross currency swap from Japanese yen to Brazilian reais with respect to ¥4,267 million of Japanese yen-denominated debt using the contracted exchange rate of .018304 per Brazilian reais, (2) the interest rate swap from a fixed Japanese yen interest rate to a variable Brazilian reais interest rate, which have averages of 5.7% and 14.0%, respectively.

 

(5) Includes cross-currency swaps from Mexcian pesos to U.S. dollars with a notional amount of Ps.1, 091 million with maturity dates of September 15, 2008 and Ps. 1,317 million with a settlement date of December 5, 2011.

 

(6) Includes cross-currency swaps from U.S. dollars to Colombian pesos with a notional amount of US$40 million with a maturity date of September 10, 2008.

 

(7) Forward contract with respect to Ps. 922 million with a settlement date of June 29, 2007, and Ps. 222 million with a settlement date of August 30, 2007, paying U.S. dollars and receiving Mexican pesos held as of December 31, 2006.

 

(8) Other long-term liabilities includes principally contingencies and derivative financial instruments. Other long-term liabilities additionally reflects those liabilities whose maturity date is undefined and depends on a series of circumstances out of our control, therefore these liabilities have been considered to have a maturity of more than five years.

As of December 31, 2006, Ps. 5,930 million of our total consolidated indebtedness was short-term debt (including maturities of long-term debt).

As of December 31, 2006, our consolidated average cost of borrowing, after giving effect to the cross currency and interest rate swaps, was approximately 8.8%, compared to 9.3% in 2005. The decrease in our average cost of borrowing mainly reflects a decrease in the London interbank offered rate, or LIBOR, the Tasa de Interés Interbancaria de Equilibrio (Equilibrium Interbank Interest Rate), or TIIE, and the Certificados de la Tesorería (Treasury Certificates), or CETES, rate. As of December 31, 2006, after giving effect to cross currency swaps, 20.7% of our total consolidated indebtedness was denominated and payable in U.S. dollars, 75.1% was in Mexican pesos, 1.4% was in Brazilian reais, 1.1% was in Venezuelan bolivars, 1.3% was in Argentine pesos and the remaining 0.4% was in Colombian pesos.

 

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Overview of Debt Instruments

The following table shows the allocations of total debt of our company as of December 31, 2006:

 

     Total Debt Profile of the Company  
     FEMSA
and
others(1)
    Coca-Cola
FEMSA
    FEMSA
Cerveza
    FEMSA
Comercio
   Total Debt  
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)  

Short-term Debt

           

U.S. dollars:

           

Bank loans

     —       Ps. 141     Ps. 1,650     —      Ps. 1,791  

Mexican pesos:

           

Bank loans

     —         —         406     —        406  

Brazilian reais:(2)

           

Bank loans

     —         —         344     —        344  

Venezuelan bolivars:

           

Bank loans

     —         422       —       —        422  

Argentine pesos:

           

Bank loans

     —         527       —       —        527  

Long-term Debt(3)

           

U.S. dollars:

           

Bank loans

     —         2,447       855     —        3,302  

Yankee bond

     —         3,233       —       —        3,233  

Leasing

     —         9       —       —        9  

Mexican pesos:

           

Bank loans

     1,712       5,250       13,145     —        20,107  

Notes

     2,500       7,156       —       —        9,656  

Colombian pesos:

           

Notes

     —         166       —       —        166  

Brazilian reais(2):

           

Bank Loans

     —         —         218     —        218  

Total

   Ps. 4,212     Ps. 19,351     Ps. 16,618     —      Ps. 40,181  

Average Cost(4)

           

U.S. dollars

     —         6.6 %     5.8 %   —        6.3 %

Mexican pesos

     9.9 %     9.1 %     9.3 %   —        9.3 %

Colombian pesos

     —         9.3 %     —       —        9.3 %

Venezuelan bolivars

     —         9.6 %     —       —        9.6 %

Argentine pesos

     —         10.6 %     —       —        10.6 %

Brazilian reais

     —         —         13.4 %   —        13.4 %

TOTAL

     9.9 %     8.4 %     8.9 %   —        8.8 %

(1) Ps. 2,500 million of certificados bursátiles of FEMSA are guaranteed by FEMSA Cerveza and a Ps. 1,712 million bank loan of FEMSA is guaranteed by FEMSA Comercio.

 

(2) Includes the effect of cross currency swaps in the amount of Ps. 393 million from Japanese yen to Brazilian reais.

 

(3) Includes the Ps. 2,440 million current portion of long-term debt.

 

(4) Includes the effect of cross currency and interest rate swaps.

Restrictions Imposed by Debt Instruments

Generally, the covenants contained in the credit agreements and other instruments governing indebtedness entered into by us or our sub-holding companies include limitations on the incurrence of any additional debt based on debt service coverage ratios or leverage tests. These credit agreements also generally include restrictive covenants applicable to us, our sub-holding companies and their subsidiaries. There are no cross-guarantees between sub-holding companies, and we have not provided guarantees with respect to any of the debt obligations

 

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of our sub-holding companies. FEMSA Cerveza has guaranteed FEMSA’s obligation under its certificados bursátiles. Certain of our financing instruments mentioned above are subject to either acceleration or repurchase at the lender’s or holder’s option if, in the case of FEMSA, the persons exercising control over FEMSA no longer exercise such control and, in the case of FEMSA Cerveza, FEMSA ceases to control FEMSA Cerveza.

We are in compliance with all of our restrictive covenants as of December 31, 2006. A significant and prolonged deterioration in our consolidated results of operations could cause us to cease to be in compliance under certain indebtedness in the future. We can provide no assurances that we will be able to incur indebtedness or to refinance existing indebtedness on similar terms in the future.

Summary of Debt

The following is a summary of our indebtedness by sub-holding company and for FEMSA as of December 31, 2006:

 

   

Coca-Cola FEMSA. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total indebtedness was Ps. 19,351 million as of December 31, 2006, as compared to Ps. 21,005 million as of December 31, 2005. Short-term debt and long-term debt were Ps. 3,170 million and Ps. 16,181 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2006, as compared to Ps. 4,690 million and Ps. 16,315 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2005. Cash and cash equivalents comprised mainly of Mexican pesos, Brazilian reais and U.S. Dollars, representing 37%, 26% and 22%, respectively. As of December 31, 2006, cash and cash equivalents were Ps. 4,473, as compared to Ps. 2,122 million as of December 31, 2005. Approximately Ps. 250 million of cash is considered restricted cash because it has been deposited to settle accounts payable in Venezuela and in Brazil.

As part of our financing policy, we expect to continue to finance our liquidity needs from cash operations. Nonetheless, as a result of regulations in certain countries in which we operate, it may not be beneficial or, as the case of exchange controls in Venezuela, practicable for us to remit cash generated in local operations to fund cash requirements in other countries. In the event that cash from operations in these countries is not sufficient to fund future working capital requirements and capital expenditures, we may decide, or be required, to fund cash requirements in these countries through local borrowings rather than remitting funds from another country. In addition, in the future we may be required to finance our working capital and capital expenditure needs with short-term debt or other borrowings.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s average cost of debt, after giving effect to cross currency and interest rate swaps, was 7.0% in U.S. dollars, 9.5% in Mexican pesos, 8.0% in Colombian pesos, 11.3% in Venezuelan bolivars and 9.7% in Argentine pesos as of December 31, 2006 compared to 7.7% in U.S. dollars, 9.3% in Mexican pesos, 8.7% in Colombian pesos, 12.1% in Venezuelan bolivars, and 9.4% in Argentine pesos as of December 31, 2005.

 

   

FEMSA Cerveza. As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza’s total outstanding debt was Ps. 16,618 million, which included Ps. 2,399 million of outstanding short-term trade and working capital loans. As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza had approximately Ps. 14,219 million of long-term debt outstanding that included Ps. 14,219 million consisting of bilateral bank loans and equipment financing loans. Cash and cash equivalents comprised of Mexican pesos, Brazilian reais and US Dollars, representing 71%, 19% and 9%, respectively. As of December 31, 2006, cash and cash equivalents were Ps. 1,862 as compared to Ps. 3,751 as of December 31, 2005. FEMSA Cerveza’s average cost of debt, after giving effect to interest rate swaps, as of December 31, 2006 was 9.47% in Mexican pesos and 4.49% in U.S. dollars.

 

   

FEMSA Comercio. As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA Comercio does not have outstanding debt.

 

   

FEMSA and other business segment. As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA and the companies comprising our other business segment had total outstanding debt of Ps. 4,212 million, all of which was long term. This consisted of Ps. 2,500 million of certificados bursátiles, that are guaranteed by

 

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FEMSA Cerveza, and a Ps. 1,712 million bank loan guaranteed by FEMSA Comercio, and that mature in July 2009 and in August 2010, respectively. Additionally, as of December 31, 2006, FEMSA had Ps. 1,762 million in bank loan debt that it incurred in connection with the 30% equity acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza. The debt of the other business segment consisted of Ps. 72 million in bank loans denominated in U.S. dollars, of which Ps. 14 million matures in July 2008 and Ps. 58 million matures in September 2009. FEMSA and our other business segments had an average cost of debt, after giving effect to interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2006 of 9.35% in Mexican pesos.

Contingencies

We have various loss contingencies, for which reserves have been recorded in those cases where we believe the results of an unfavorable resolution is probable. See “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” Most of these loss contingencies have been recorded as reserves against intangibles recorded as a result of the Panamco acquisition. Any amounts required to be paid in connection with these loss contingencies would be required to be paid from available cash.

The following table presents the nature and amount of the loss contingencies as of December 31, 2006:

 

     Loss Contingencies
As of December 31, 2006
     (in millions of constant
Mexican pesos)

Tax

   Ps. 1,549

Legal

     219

Labor

     512
      

TOTAL

   Ps. 2,280

As is customary in Brazil, we have been asked by the tax authorities to collateralize tax contingencies currently in litigation amounting to Ps. 1,415 million by pledging fixed assets and entering into available lines of credit.

We have other loss contingencies for which we have not recorded a reserve. These contingencies or our assessment of them may change in the future, and we may record reserves or be required to pay amounts in respect of these contingencies.

Capital Expenditures

For the past five years, we have had significant capital expenditure programs, which for the most part were financed with cash from operations. Capital expenditures reached Ps. 8,888 million in 2006 compared to Ps. 7,034 million in 2005, an increase of 26.4%. This was primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures at FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Comercio. The principal components of our capital expenditures have been for equipment, market-related investments and production capacity and distribution network expansion at both Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza and the construction of new Oxxo stores at FEMSA Comercio. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Capital Expenditures and Divestitures.”

Expected Capital Expenditures for 2007

Our capital expenditure budget for 2007 is expected to be approximately Ps. 11,263 million. The following discussion is based on each of our sub-holding companies’ internal 2007 budgets. The capital expenditure plan for 2007 is subject to change based on market and other conditions and the subsidiaries’ results of operations and financial resources.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital expenditures in 2007 are expected to be approximately Ps. 3,688 million. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital expenditures in 2007 are primarily intended for:

 

   

investments in returnable bottles and cases;

 

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market investments (primarily for the placement of refrigeration equipment); and

 

   

improvements in our manufacturing facilities and throughout our logistics network.

Coca-Cola FEMSA estimates that a majority of projected capital expenditures for 2007 will be spent in Mexican territories.

FEMSA Cerveza’s capital expenditure budget for 2007 is expected to be approximately Ps. 5,278 million. FEMSA Cerveza expects to allocate part of this budget for investments in its manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Brazil, predominantly related to marginal capacity expansions of its breweries and equipment modernization. FEMSA Cerveza also expects to apply a portion of this budget towards the improvement of its distribution assets, including new and replacement vehicles, the maintenance of a secondary distribution fleet and its enterprise resource planning and information technology systems. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza plans to invest in commercial and market-related activities such as the enhancement of its retail coverage, the acquisition of third party distributors, the development of long-term sponsorships and the placement of refrigeration equipment nationwide.

FEMSA Comercio’s capital expenditure budget in 2007 is expected to total approximately Ps. 1,741 million, and will be allocated to the opening of new Oxxo stores and to a lesser extent to the refurbishing of existing Oxxo stores. In addition, investments are planned in FEMSA Comercio’s information technology, ERP software systems and transportation equipment.

Hedging Activities

Our business activities require the holding or issuing of derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to market risks related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, equity risk and commodity price risk. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

The following table provides a summary of the fair value of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2006. The fair market value is obtained mainly from external sources, which are our counterparties to the contracts.

 

     Fair Value At December 31, 2006  
     Maturity
less than
1 year
    Maturity
1 - 3
years
    Maturity
3 - 5
years
    Maturity in
excess of 5
years
    Total fair
value
 
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)  

Prices quoted by external sources

   (127 )   (235 )   (412 )   (207 )   (981 )

Plan for the Disposal of Certain Fixed Assets

We have identified certain fixed assets consisting of land, buildings and equipment for disposal, and we have an approved program for disposal of these fixed assets. These assets are not in use and have been valued at their estimated realizable value, according to independent appraisals. These assets are allocated as follows:

 

     December 31,
     2006    2005
     (in millions of constant
Mexican pesos)

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 166    Ps. 199

FEMSA Cerveza

     283      260

FEMSA and other

     296      306
             

Total

   Ps. 745    Ps. 765

Fixed assets recorded at their estimated realizable value are considered monetary assets on which a loss on monetary position is computed and recorded in results of operation.

 

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U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

The principal differences between Mexican Financial Reporting Standards and U.S. GAAP that affect our net income and majority stockholders’ equity relate to the accounting treatment of the following items:

 

   

consolidation of our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA, which is a consolidated subsidiary for purposes of Mexican Financial Reporting Standards but presented under the equity method for U.S. GAAP purposes;

 

   

FEMSA’s minority interest acquisition;

 

   

deferred income taxes and deferred employee profit sharing;

 

   

restatement of imported machinery and equipment;

 

   

capitalization of integral result of financing; and

 

   

start-up expenses.

For a more detailed description of the differences between Mexican Financial Reporting Standards and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us, as well as U.S. GAAP consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the same periods presented for Mexican Financial Reporting Standards purposes and a reconciliation of net income and stockholders’ equity under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards to net income and stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP, see notes 27 and 28 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Pursuant to Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, our audited consolidated financial statements recognize certain effects of inflation in accordance with Bulletin B-10 and B-12. These effects were not reversed in our U.S. GAAP financial information.

Under U.S. GAAP, we had net income of Ps. 6,720 million and Ps. 5,840 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively. Under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, we had net majority income of Ps. 6,622 million and Ps. 5,766 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively. In 2005, net income under U.S. GAAP was higher than net majority income under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, mainly as a result of the effect of deferred income taxes, deferred employee profit sharing and severance indemnities.

Stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 was Ps. 71,246 million and Ps. 66,070 million, respectively. Under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards, majority stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 was Ps. 54,220 million and Ps. 50,027 million, respectively. The principal reasons for the difference between stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP and majority stockholders’ equity under Mexican Financial Reporting Standards were the effect of the goodwill generated by the minority interest acquisition, the capitalization of the integral result of financing and the effect of deferred income tax, partially offset by the effects of deferred employee profit sharing and start-up expenses.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

Directors

Management of our business is vested in the board of directors and in our chief executive officer. Our bylaws provide that the board of directors will consist of no more than 21 directors and designated alternate directors elected by our shareholders at the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting. Directors are elected for a term of one year. Alternate directors are authorized to serve on the board of directors in place of their specific directors who are unable to attend meetings and may participate in the activities of the board of directors. Nineteen members were elected to serve on our board of directors for the 2007 year. Our bylaws provide that the holders of the Series B Shares elect at least 11 directors and that the holders of the Series D Shares elect five directors. The shareholders may designate alternate directors to cover the absence of a specific director. Upon the issuance of Series L Shares or upon the conversion of the Series D-L Shares, the holders of the Series L Shares will be entitled to elect two directors. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Bylaws.”

 

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In accordance with our bylaws and article 24 of the Mexican Securities Law, at least 25% of the members of our board of directors must be independent.

The board of directors may designate interim directors in the case that a director is absent or an elected director and corresponding alternate are unable to serve. Such interim directors shall serve until the next shareholders meeting, at which the Shareholders shall elect a replacement.

Our bylaws provide that the board of directors shall meet at least once every 3 months. Actions by the board of directors must be approved by at least a majority of the directors present and voting. The chairman of the board of directors, the chairman of our Audit Committee or Corporate Practices Committee, or at least 25% of our directors may call a board of directors’ meeting and include matters in the meeting agenda.

Series “B” Directors

 

Eugenio Garza Lagüera    Born:    December 1923
Director and Honorary    First elected:    1960
Life Chairman   

 

Term expires:

  

 

2008

   Other directorships:    Honorary Life Chairman of Coca-Cola FEMSA, Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) and BBVA Bancomer
   Business experience:    Joined FEMSA in 1946 in the research department of Cuauhtémoc
   Education:    Holds degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Texas and in business administration from ITESM
   Alternate director:    Mariana Garza de Treviño(1)(2)
José Antonio Fernández Carbajal(3)    Born:    February 1954
Director and Chairman of the Board   

First elected

(Chairman):

   2001
  

First elected

(Director):

   1984
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA
   Other directorships:    Chairman of the board of Coca-Cola FEMSA, Vice-Chairman of the board of ITESM and member of the boards of BBVA Bancomer, Grupo Industrial Saltillo, S.A.B. de C.V., Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V., Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. and Controladora Vuela Compañia de Aviación S.A. de C.V. (“Volaris”)
   Business experience:    Joined FEMSA’s strategic planning department in 1987, held managerial positions at FEMSA Cerveza’s commercial division and Oxxo and appointed our Chief Executive Officer in 1995
   Education:    Holds a degree in industrial engineering and an MBA from ITESM
   Alternate director:    Federico Reyes García

 

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Bárbara Garza de Braniff (1)(2)    Born:    April 1958
Director    First elected:    2005
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Private investor
   Business experience:    Former President / Chief Executive Officer of Alternativas Pacíficas, A.C., (a non-profit organization)
   Education:    Holds a business administration degree from ITESM
   Alternate director:    Eva Garza de Fernández(1)(4)
José Calderón Rojas    Born:    July 1954
Director    First elected:    2005
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Chairman of the board of Directors and Executive Vice-President of Servicios Administrativos de Monterrey, S.A. de C.V. and Franca Industrias, S.A. de C.V.
   Other directorships:    Member of the Board of BBVA Bancomer
   Education:    Holds a law degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) and completed specialization studies in tax at UANL
   Alternate director:    Francisco José Calderón Rojas(5)
Consuelo Garza de Garza(6)    Born:    October 1930
Director    First elected:    1995
   Term expires:    2008
   Business experience:    Founder and former President of Asociación Nacional Pro-Superación Personal, (a non-profit organization)
   Alternate director:    Alfonso Garza Garza(7)
Max Michel Suberville    Born:    July 1932
Director    First elected:    1985
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Honorary Chairman of the Board of El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V.
   Other directorships:    Member of the boards of Grupo Lamosa, S.A.B. de C.V., Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V., and Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A.
   Education:    Holds a graduate degree from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed post-graduate studies at Harvard University
   Alternate director:    Max Michel González(8)

 

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Alberto Bailleres    Born:    August 1931
Director    First elected:    1995
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Executive President of Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A. and Grupo BAL, S.A. de C.V.
   Other directorships:    Chairman of the Board of Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A. and Grupo Palacio de Hierro, S.A. de C.V., member of the boards of BBVA Bancomer, Grupo Televisa, S.A.B., Grupo Kuo, S.A.B. de C.V. (formerly Grupo Desc) and Valores Mexicanos Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V.
   Education:    Holds an economics degree from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México
   Alternate director:    Arturo Fernández Pérez
Francisco Javier Fernández Carbajal(9)    Born:    April 1955
Director    First elected:    2005
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Private business consultant
   Education:    Holds degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering from ITESM and an MBA from Harvard Business School
   Alternate director:    Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines
Ricardo Guajardo Touché    Born:    May 1948
Director    First elected:    1988
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Former Chairman of the Board of BBVA Bancomer
   Other directorships:    Member of the Board of El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V., Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., BBVA Bancomer, Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A. de C.V. and ITESM
   Business experience:    Has held senior executive positions in our company, Grupo AXA, S.A. de C.V. and Valores de Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
   Education:    Holds degrees in electrical engineering from ITESM and the University of Wisconsin and a masters degree from the University of California at Berkeley
   Alternate director:    Othón Páez Garza(10)
Alfredo Livas Cantú    Born:    July 1951
Director    First elected:    1995
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    President of Praxis Financiera, S.C.
   Other directorships:    Member of the boards of Grupo Jomar, S.A. de C.V. and British American Tobacco (Mexican board)
   Business experience:    Joined FEMSA in 1978 and held several positions in the areas of financial planning and treasury and served as Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1999
   Education:    Holds an economics degree from UANL and an MBA and masters degree in economics from the University of Texas

 

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   Alternate Director:    Sergio Deschamps Ebergenyi
Roberto Servitje Sendra    Born:    January 1928
Director    First elected:    1995
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Chairman of the Board of Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V.
   Other directorships:    Member of the board of DaimlerChrysler de México, S.A.
   Business experience:    Founding member and active Chairman of Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V.
   Education:    Holds a PMD degree from Harvard University
   Alternate director:    Juan Guichard Michel(8)
Carlos Salguero    Born:    October 1929
Director    First elected:    1995
   Term expires:    2008
   Business experience:    Former Executive Vice President of Phillip Morris International
   Other directorships:    Former member of the boards of Tabacalera Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., Tabacalera Costarricense, S.A., Tabacalera Centroamericana, S.A. and other Latin American companies
   Education:    Holds a business degree from the Columbian Faculty of Economic Sciences, postgraduate studies in economics and management from Albany Business College and University College (Syracuse) and received an Honor for Civil Merit by H.M. the King of Spain in 1995
   Alternate director:    Alfonso González Migoya
Paulina Garza de
Marroquín
(1)(2)
   Born:    March 1972
Director    First elected:    1999 as alternate; 2004 as main Board Member
   Term expires:    2008
   Business experience:    Private Investor
   Education:    Holds a business administration degree from ITESM
   Alternate director:    Carlos Salazar Lomelín
José Manuel Canal Hernando    Born:    February 1940
Director    First elected:    2003
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Private consultant
   Other directorships:    Member of the Board of Coca-Cola FEMSA and member of its audit committee; Board Member of ALSEA, S.A. de C.V. and chairman of the audit committee of Instituto del Fondo Nacional de la Vivienda para los Trabajadores (INFONAVIT)
   Business experience:    Former managing partner at Ruiz, Urquiza y Cía, S.C. from 1981 to 1999, acted as our statutory examiner from 1984 to 2002, presided in the Committee of Surveillance of the Mexican Institute of Finance Executives, has participated in several commissions at the Mexican Institute of Public Accountants and has extensive experience in financial auditing for holding companies, banks and financial brokers
   Education:    Holds a CPA degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
   Alternate director:    Ricardo Saldívar Escajadillo

 

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Series “D”

Directors

 

Armando Garza Sada    Born:    June 1957
Director    First elected:    2006
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Executive Vice-President of Corporate Development of Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V.
   Other directorships:    Member of the Board of Directors of Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., Grupo Gigante, S.A. de C.V. and Grupo MVS, S.A. de C.V., El Puerto de Liverpool. S.A.B. de C.V., Grupo Lamosa S.A.B. de C.V. and ITESM
   Business experience:    He has a long professional career in Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., former Chief Executive Officer at Sigma Alimentos, S.A. de C.V.
   Education:    Holds a degree in industrial engineering from ITESM and a MBA from Stanford University
   Alternate director:    Eduardo Padilla Silva
Alexis E. Rovzar de la Torre    Born:    July 1951
Director    First elected:    1989
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Executive Partner at White & Case, S.C. law firm
   Other directorships:    Member of the boards of Coca-Cola FEMSA (chairman of its audit committee), Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V., Deutsche Bank (Mexico), Grupo ACIR, S.A. de C.V. and COMEX, S.A. de C.V.
   Business experience:    Expert in private and public mergers and acquisitions as well as other aspects of financial law and has been advisor to many companies on international business and joint venture transactions
   Education:    Holds a law degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
   Alternate director:    Francisco Zambrano Rodríguez
Helmut Paul    Born:    March 1940
Director    First elected:    1988
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Owner of H. Paul & Company LLC (a corporate finance advisory firm)
   Other directorships:    Member of the Board of Zurich Emerging Markets Solutions
   Business experience:    Has held several managing positions in the International Finance Corporation, mainly responsible for Latin American and Caribbean investments
   Education:    Holds an MBA from the University of Hamburg
   Alternate director:    Antonio Elosúa Muguerza

 

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Lorenzo H. Zambrano    Born:    March 1944
Director    First elected:    1995
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V.
   Other directorships:    Member of the boards of IBM Corporation, Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V. (Human Resources Committee), Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V. (Chairman of the Compensation Committee), Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. and Grupo Financiero Banamex, S.A. de C.V., and member of Citigroup’s International Advisory Board.
   Education:    Holds a degree in mechanical engineering and administration from ITESM and an MBA from Stanford University
   Alternate director:    Francisco Garza Zambrano
Robert E. Denham    Born:    August 1945
Director    First elected:    2001
   Term expires:    2008
   Principal occupation:    Partner of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP law firm
   Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of Wesco Financial Corporation, US Trust Company, Lucent Technologies, Inc. and Chevron Corp.
   Business experience:    Former Chief Executive Officer of Salomon Inc., representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council and member of the OECD Business Sector Advisory Group on Corporate Governance
   Education:    Magna cum laude graduate from the University of Texas, holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a masters degree in Government from Harvard University
   Alternate director:    José González Ornelas

(1) Daughter of Eugenio Garza Lagüera.

 

(2) Sister-in-law of José Antonio Fernández Carbajal.

 

(3) Son-in-law of Eugenio Garza Lagüera.

 

(4) Wife of José Antonio Fernández Carbajal.

 

(5) Brother of José Calderón Rojas.

 

(6) Sister of Eugenio Garza Lagüera.

 

(7) Son of Consuelo Garza de Garza.

 

(8) Son of Max Michel Suberville.

 

(9) Brother of José Antonio Fernández Carbajal.

 

(10) Nephew of Max Michel Suberville.

 

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Senior Management

The names and positions of our current senior management and that of our principal sub-holding companies, their dates of birth and information on their principal business activities both within and outside of FEMSA are as follows:

FEMSA

 

José Antonio Fernández Carbajal

Chief Executive Officer

  

See “—Directors.”

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

  

1987

1994

Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines

Executive Vice-President of Finance and Strategic Development

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

Business experience

within FEMSA:

  

July 1959

1982

2006

Joined FEMSA as a financial information analyst and later acquired experience in corporate development, administration and finance, held various senior positions at FEMSA Cerveza between 1993 and 2001, including Chief Financial Officer and for two years was FEMSA Cerveza’s Director of Sales for the north region of Mexico until 2003 in which he was appointed FEMSA Cerveza’s Co-Chief Executive Officer-Operations.

   Education:    Holds a CPA degree from ITESM.

Federico Reyes García

Executive Vice-President of Corporate Development

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

Business experience

within FEMSA:

  

September 1945

1999

2006

Director of Corporate Development, 1992 and Chief Financial Officer from 1999 until 2006.

   Other business experience:    Served as Director of Corporate Staff at Grupo AXA and has extensive experience in the insurance sector, working eight years in Valores de Monterrey, S.A. de C.V., six of them as Chief Executive Officer
   Education:    Holds a degree in business and finance from ITESM

José González Ornelas

Executive Vice President of Administration and Operative Control

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

Business experience

within FEMSA:

  

April 1951

1973

2001

Has held several managerial positions in FEMSA including Chief Financial Officer of FEMSA Cerveza, Director of Planning and Corporate Development of FEMSA and Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA Logística, S.A. de C.V.

   Education:    Holds a CPA degree from UANL and has post-graduate studies in business administration from the Instituto Panamericano de Alta Dirección de Empresa (IPADE)

 

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Alfonso Garza Garza

Executive Vice President of Human Resources

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

Directorships:

  

July 1962

1985

2005

Member of the board of Coca-Cola FEMSA and Hospital San José Tec de Monterrey

  

Business experience

within FEMSA:

   Has experience in several FEMSA business units and departments, including domestic sales, international sales, procurement and marketing, mainly at Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V and as Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA Empaques
   Education:    Holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from ITESM and an MBA from IPADE

Carlos Aldrete Ancira

General Counsel and Secretary

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

Directorships:

  

August 1956

1979

1996

 

Secretary of the Board of directors of FEMSA and secretary of the board of directors of all of the sub-holding companies

  

Business experience

within FEMSA:

   Extensive experience in international business and financial transactions, debt issuances and corporate restructurings and expertise in securities and private mergers and acquisitions law
   Education:    Holds a law degree from the UANL and a masters degree in Comparative Law from the College of Law of the University of Illinois
FEMSA Cerveza      

Jorge Luis Ramos Santos

Chief Executive Officer

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

Business experience

within FEMSA:

  

December 1952

1996

2006

 

Director of Human Resources of FEMSA Cerveza from 1996 until 2000 and Director of Sales for the south region from 2000 until 2003. He acted as Co-Chief Executive Officer-Sales of Femsa Cerveza from 2003 until his appointment to his current position

   Education:    Holds a bachelor’s degree from ITESM and an MBA from the Wharton Business School.
Coca-Cola FEMSA      

Carlos Salazar Lomelín

Chief Executive Officer

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

Business experience

within FEMSA:

  

April 1951

1973

2000

 

Has held managerial positions in several subsidiaries of FEMSA, including Grafo Regia, S.A. de C.V. and Plásticos Técnicos Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V., served as Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA Cerveza, where he also held various management positions in the Commercial Planning and Export divisions

   Education:    Holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from ITESM, and is engaged in postgraduate studies in business administration and economic development in Italy

 

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Héctor Treviño Gutiérrez

Chief Financial Officer

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

  

August 1956

1981

1993

  

Business experience

within FEMSA:

   Has held managerial positions in the international financing, financial planning, strategic planning and corporate development areas of FEMSA
   Education:    Holds a degree in chemical engineering from ITESM and an MBA from the Wharton Business School
FEMSA Comercio      

Eduardo Padilla Silva

Chief Executive Officer

  

Born:

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

  

January 1955

1997

2003

   Business experience within FEMSA:    Director of Planning and Control of FEMSA from 1997 to 2000 and Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Business Division from 2000 until 2003
   Other business experience:    Had a 20-year career in Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., culminating with a ten-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Terza, S.A. de C.V., major areas of expertise include operational control, strategic planning and financial restructuring
   Education:    Holds a degree in mechanical engineering from ITESM and an MBA from Cornell University

Compensation of Directors and Senior Management

The compensation of Directors is approved at the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the aggregate compensation paid to our directors was approximately Ps. 4.9 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2006, the aggregate compensation paid to executive officers and senior management of FEMSA and its subsidiaries was approximately Ps. 988 million. Aggregate compensation includes bonuses we paid to certain members of senior management and payments in connection with the EVA stock incentive plan described below. Our senior management and executive officers participate in our benefit plan and post-retirement medical services plan on the same basis as our other employees. Members of our board of directors do not participate in our benefit plan and post-retirement medical services plan, unless they are retired employees of our company. As of December 31, 2006, amounts set aside or accrued for all employees under these retirement plans were Ps. 5,785 million, of which Ps. 2,713 million is already funded.

Stock Incentive Plan

From 1998 until 2003, we, along with our subsidiaries, had a five-year stock incentive plan for the benefit of our executive officers. Under the terms of the stock incentive plan, during the years 1999 through 2003, certain of our executive officers were selected to receive a special cash bonus, which was used to obtain a stock grant. Each year, our Chief Executive Officer, together with the chief executive officers and corporate practices committees of our sub-holding companies, selected the executive officers eligible to participate in the stock incentive plan and determined the amount of the special bonus, based on each executive officer’s level of responsibility and corporate achievements during the prior year.

The stock grants were administrated by certain trusts for the benefit of the selected executive officers. Every year a new administrative trust was formed to manage the stock grants acquired in that particular year. Under the terms of the stock incentive plan, each time a special bonus was assigned to an executive officer, the executive officer contributed the special bonus received to the administrative trust in exchange for a stock grant, as

 

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etermined annually by us. Each administrative trust is managed by a technical committee formed by executives of our company and is governed by Mexican law.

A stock grant entitles an executive officer to receive BD Units or, in the case of officers of Coca-Cola FEMSA, a specified proportion of BD Units and Series L Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA, which will be acquired by the respective administrative trust in the open market, using the special bonus contributed by each executive officer. Under the terms of the stock incentive plan, the ownership of the BD Units and, in its case, the Series L Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA, will vest at a rate per year equivalent to the number of BD Units and, as applicable, Coca-Cola FEMSA Series L Shares, which can be acquired with 20% of such stock grant.

As of May 31, 2007, four administrative trusts, which administer the stock incentive plan, hold a total of 3,492,039 FEMSA BD Units (which amount reflects our three-for-one stock split in May 2007) and 353,930 Series L Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA, each representing 0.02% and 0.13% of the total number of shares outstanding of FEMSA and of Coca-Cola FEMSA, respectively.

EVA Stock Incentive Plan

In 2005, we along with our subsidiaries, commenced a new three-year stock incentive plan for the benefit of our executive officers, which we refer to as the EVA stock incentive plan. This new plan replaced the stock incentive plan described above and was developed using as the main metric for evaluation the Economic Value Added, or EVA, framework developed by Stern Stewart & Co., a compensation consulting firm. Under the EVA stock incentive plan, eligible executive officers are entitled to receive a special cash bonus, which will be used to purchase a stock grant.

Under this plan, each year, our Chief Executive Officer in conjunction with our board of directors, together with the chief executive officer of the respective sub-holding company, determines the amount of the special cash bonus used to purchase the stock grant. This amount is determined based on each executive officer’s level of responsibility and based on the EVA generated by Coca-Cola FEMSA or FEMSA, as applicable.

The stock grants are administrated by a trust for the benefit of the selected executive officers. Under the EVA stock incentive plan, each time a special bonus is assigned to an executive officer, the executive officer contributes the special bonus received to the administrative trust in exchange for a stock grant. Pursuant to the plan, the administrative trust acquires BD Units of FEMSA or, in the case of officers of Coca-Cola FEMSA, a specified proportion of publicly traded local shares of FEMSA and Series L Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA on the Mexican Stock Exchange using the special bonus contributed by each executive officer. The ownership of the publicly traded local shares of FEMSA and, in the case of Coca-Cola FEMSA executives, the Series L Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA vests upon the executive officer holding a stock grant each year over the next five years following the date of receipt of the stock grant, at a rate per year equivalent to 20% of the number of publicly traded local shares of FEMSA and Series L Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA.

As of May 31, 2007, the trust that manages the EVA stock incentive plan holds a total of 5,670,291 FEMSA BD Units (which amount reflects our three-for-one stock split in May 2007) and 1,110,424 Series L Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA, each representing 0.03% and 0.06% of the total number of shares outstanding of FEMSA and of Coca-Cola FEMSA, respectively.

Insurance Policies

We maintain life insurance policies for all of our employees. These policies mitigate the risk of having to pay death benefits in the event of an industrial accident. We maintain a directors and officers’ insurance policy covering all directors and certain key executive officers for liabilities incurred in their capacities as directors and officers.

Ownership by Management

Several of our directors are participants of a voting trust. Each of the trust participants of the voting trust is deemed to have beneficial ownership with shared voting power over the shares deposited in the voting trust. As of

 

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May 31, 2007, 6,914,592,885 Series B Shares representing 74.78% of the outstanding Series B Shares were deposited in the voting trust. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.”

The following table shows the Series B Shares, Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares as of May 31, 2007 beneficially owned by our directors who are participants in the voting trust, other than the shares deposited in the voting trust:

 

     Series B     Series D-B     Series D-L  

Beneficial Owner

   Shares    Percent of
Class
    Shares    Percent of
Class
    Shares    Percent of
Class
 

Eugenio Garza Lagüera

   13,440,804    0.15 %   26,654,808    0.62 %   26,654,808    0.62 %

José Calderón Rojas

   7,491,102    0.08     14,976,204    0.35     14,976,204    0.35  

Consuelo Garza de Garza

   69,401,775    0.75     12,754,950    0.30     12,754,950    0.30  

Max Michel Suberville

   5,151,345    0.06     10,302,690    0.24     10,302,690    0.24  

Alberto Bailleres

   8,658,381    0.09     11,129,112    0.25 %   11,129,112    0.25 %

To our knowledge, no other director or officer is the beneficial owner of more than 1% of any class of our capital stock.

Board Practices

Our bylaws state that the board of directors will meet at least once every three months following the end of each quarter to discuss our operating results and the advancement in the achievement of strategic objectives. Our board of directors can also hold extraordinary meetings. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Bylaws.”

Under our bylaws, directors serve one-year terms although they continue in office even after the term for which they were appointed ends for up to 30 calendar days, as set forth in article 24 of Mexican Securities Law. None of our directors or senior managers of our subsidiaries has service contracts providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

Our board of directors is supported by committees, which are working groups that analyze issues and provide recommendations to the board of directors regarding their respective areas of focus. The executive officers interact periodically with the committees to address management issues. The following are the three committees of the board of directors:

 

   

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee works under internal regulations (Charters) that are approved by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is responsible for (1)reviewing the accuracy and integrity of quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with accounting, internal control and auditing requirements, (2)for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent auditor, who reports directly to the Audit Committee, (3)reviewing related party transactions other than in the ordinary course of our business and (4)identifying and following-up on contingencies and legal proceedings. The Audit Committee has implemented procedures for receiving, retaining and addressing complaints regarding accounting, internal control and auditing matters, including the submission of confidential, anonymous complaints from employees regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. To carry out its duties, the Audit Committee may hire independent counsel and other advisors. As necessary, the company compensates the independent auditor and any outside advisor hired by the Audit Committee and provides funding for ordinary administrative expenses incurred by the Audit Committee in the course of its duties. The current Audit Committee members are: Alexis E. Rovzar de la Torre (Chairman), José Manuel Canal Hernando (Financial Expert), Francisco Zambrano Rodríguez and Alfonso González Migoya. Each member of the Audit Committee is an independent director, as required by the Mexican Securities Market Law and applicable New York Stock Exchange listing standards. The Secretary of the Audit Committee is José González Ornelas, head of FEMSAs internal audit department.

 

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Finance Committee. Responsibilities include (1) evaluating the investment and financing policies proposed by the Chief Executive Officer; (2) furnishing an opinion on the soundness of the annual budget and ensuring the implementation of the budget and any proposed strategic plan; and (3) identifying risk factors to which the corporation is exposed, as well as evaluating its management policies. The current Finance and Planning Committee members are: Ricardo Guajardo Touché (chairman), Alfredo Livas Cantú, Federico Reyes García, Robert E. Denham and Javier Fernández Carbajal. Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines is the appointed secretary of this committee.

 

   

Corporate Practices Committee. Under the Mexican Securities Law enacted in 2006, listed stock companies no longer have a statutory examiner. Instead, the functions previously performed by the statutory examiner are vested in the newly created Corporate Practices Committee, together with the Audit Committee. The Corporate Practices Committee, which consists of independent directors, is responsible for preventing or reducing the risk of performing operations that could damage the value of our company or that benefit a particular group of shareholders. The committee may call a shareholders’ meeting and include matters on the agenda for that meeting that it may deem appropriate, approve policies on the use of our company’s assets or related party transactions, approve the compensation of the chief executive officer and relevant officers and support our board of directors in the elaboration of reports on accounting practices. The chairman of the Corporate Practices Committee is Lorenzo H. Zambrano. The additional members include: Carlos Salguero and Helmut Paul. The Secretary of the Corporate Practices Committee is Alfonso Garza Garza.

Employees

As of December 31, 2006, our headcount by geographic region was as follows: 64,583 in Mexico, 4,962 in Central America, 7,955 in Colombia, 7,597 in Venezuela, 9,330 in Brazil and 3,343 in Argentina. We include in headcount employees of third party distributors who we do not consider to be our employees. The table below sets forth headcount for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     Headcount for the Year Ended December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     Non-Union    Union    Total    Non-Union    Union    Non-Union    Union
Sub-holding company                     

Coca-Cola FEMSA(1)

   31,695    24,987    56,682    32,632    23,003    32,648    23,590

FEMSA Cerveza

   13,426    10,570    23,996    11,765    8,049    11,006    8,742

FEMSA Comercio(2)

   4,072    7,380    11,452    3,863    5,371    3,100    4,706

Other

   1,978    3,662    5,640    1,943    4,105    1,716    2,709
                                  

Total

   51,171    46,599    97,770    50,203    40,528    48,470    39,747
                                  

 

(1) Includes employees of third party distributors who we do not consider to be our employees of 16,745, 16,421 and 16,182 in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

 

(2) Does not include non-management store employees, who are employed directly by each individual store.

As of December 31, 2006, our subsidiaries had entered into 398 collective bargaining or similar agreements with personnel employed at our operations. Each of the labor unions in Mexico is associated with one of 10 different national Mexican labor organizations. In general, we have a good relationship with the labor unions throughout our operations, except for in Colombia and Venezuela, which are the subject of significant labor-related litigation. See “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Coca-Cola FEMSA.” The agreements applicable to our Mexican operations generally have an indefinite term and provide for an annual salary review and for review of other terms and conditions, such as fringe benefits, every two years.

 

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The table below sets forth the number of collective bargaining agreements and unions for our employees:

Collective Bargaining Labor Agreements Between

Sub-holding Companies and Unions

As of December 31, 2006

 

Sub-holding Company

  

Collective

Bargaining

Agreements

   Labor Unions

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   96    44

FEMSA Cerveza

   149    11

FEMSA Comercio(1)

   78    4

Others

   75    10

Total

   398    69

(1) Does not include non-management store employees, who are employed directly by each individual store.

 

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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Major Shareholders

The following table identifies each owner of more than 5% of any class of our shares known to the company as of May 31, 2007. Except as described below, we are not aware of any holder of more than 5% of any class of our shares. Only the Series B Shares have full voting rights under our bylaws.

Ownership of Capital Stock as of June 2007

 

     Series B Shares(1)     Series D-B
Shares(2)
    Series D-L
Shares(3)
    Total Shares of
FEMSA Common Stock
 
    

Shares

Owned

  

Percent

of Class

   

Shares

Owned

  

Percent

of Class

   

Shares

Owned

  

Percent

of Class

   

Shareholder

                 

Technical Committee and Trust

                 

Participants under the Voting Trust(4)

   6,914,592,885    74.78 %   0    0 %   0    0 %   38.64 %

(1) As of May 31, 2007, there were 9,246,420,270 Series B Shares outstanding.

 

(2) As of May 31, 2007, there were 4,322,355,540 Series D-B Shares outstanding.

 

(3) As of May 31, 2007, there were 4,322,355,540 Series D-L Shares outstanding.

 

(4) As a consequence of the voting trust’s internal procedures, the following trust participants are deemed to have beneficial ownership with shared voting power over those same deposited shares: BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A., as Trustee under Trust No. F/25078-7 (controlled by Max Michel Suberville), Eugenio Garza Lagüera, Paulina Garza Lagüera Gonda, Bárbara Garza de Braniff, Mariana Garza Lagüera Gonda, Eva Gonda Rivera, Eva Maria Garza Lagüera Gonda, Consuelo Garza Lagüera de Garza, Alfonso Garza Garza, Patricio Garza Garza, Juan Carlos Garza Garza, Eduardo Garza Garza, Eugenio Garza Garza, Alberto Bailleres González, Maria Teresa Gual Aspe. de Bailleres, Inversiones Bursátiles Industriales, S.A. de C.V. (controlled by Eugenio Garza Lagüera), Corbal, S.A. de C.V. (controlled by Alberto Bailleres Gonzalez), Magdalena Michel de David, Alepage, S.A. (controlled by Consuelo Garza Lagüera de Garza), BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A. as Trustee under Trust No. F/29013-0 (controlled by the estate of José Calderón Ayala, late father of José Calderón Rojas), Max Michel Suberville, Max David Michel, Juan David Michel, Monique David de VanLathem, Renee Michel de Guichard, Magdalena Guichard Michel, Rene Guichard Michel, Miguel Guichard Michel, Graciano Guichard Michel, Juan Guichard Michel, Franca Servicios, S.A. de C.V. (controlled by the estate of José Calderón Ayala, late father of José Calderón Rojas), BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A., as Trustee under Trust No. F/29490-0 (controlled by Alberto, Susana and Cecilia Bailleres), BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A., as Trustee under Trust No. F/710004 (controlled by Magdalena Michel de David) and BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A., as Trustee under Trust No. F/700005 (controlled by Renee Michel de Guichard).

As of May 31, 2007, there were 25 holders of record of ADSs in the United States, which represented approximately 53% of our outstanding BD Units. Since a substantial number of ADSs are held in the name of nominees of the beneficial owners, including the nominee of The Depository Trust Company, the number of beneficial owners of ADSs is substantially greater than the number of record holders of these securities.

Related-Party Transactions

Voting Trust

The trust participants, who are our principal shareholders, agreed in April 1998 to deposit a majority of their shares, which we refer to as the trust assets, of FEMSA into the voting trust, and later entered into an amended agreement on August 8, 2005, following the substitution of Banco Invex, S.A. as trustee to the voting trust. The primary purpose of the voting trust is to permit the trust assets to be voted as a block, in accordance with the instructions of the technical committee. The trust participants are separated into seven trust groups and the

 

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technical committee is comprised of one representative appointed by each trust group. The number of B Units corresponding with each trust group (the proportional share of the shares deposited in the trust of such group) determines the number of votes that each trust representative has on the technical committee. Most matters are decided by a simple majority of the trust assets.

The trust participants agreed to certain transfer restrictions with respect to the trust assets. The trust is irrevocable, for a term that will conclude on May 31, 2013 (subject to additional five-year renewal terms), during which time, trust assets may be transferred by trust participants to spouses and immediate family members and, subject to certain conditions, to companies that are 100% owned by trust participants, which we refer to as the permitted transferees, provided in all cases that the transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the voting trust. In the event that a trust participant wishes to sell part of its trust assets to someone other than a permitted transferee, the other trust participants have a right of first refusal to purchase the trust assets that the trust participant wishes to sell. If none of the trust participants elects to acquire the trust assets from the selling trust participant, the technical committee will have a right to nominate (subject to the approval of technical committee members representing 75% of the trust assets, excluding trust assets that are the subject of the sale) a purchaser for such trust assets. In the event that none of the trust participants or a nominated purchaser elects to acquire trust assets, the selling trust participant will have the right to sell the trust assets to a third party on the same terms and conditions that were offered to the trust participants. Acquirors of trust assets will only be permitted to become parties to the voting trust upon the affirmative vote by the technical committee of at least 75% of the trust shares, which must include trust shares represented by at least three trust group representatives. In the event that a trust participant holding a majority of the trust assets elects to sell its trust assets, the other trust participants have “tag along” rights that will enable them to sell their trust assets to the acquiror of the selling trust participant’s trust assets.

Because of their ownership of a majority of the Series B Shares, the trust participants may be deemed to control our company. Other than as a result of their ownership of the Series B Shares, the trust participants do not have any voting rights that are different from those of other shareholders.

Interest of Management in Certain Transactions

The following is a summary of transactions we have entered into with entities for which members of our board of directors or management serve as a member of the board of directors or management. Each of these transactions was entered into in the ordinary course of business, and we believe each is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length negotiations with unaffiliated third parties. Under our by-laws, transactions entered with related parties not in the ordinary course of business are subject to the approval of our board of directors, subject to the prior opinion of the Audit Committee.

Until 2004, we, along with certain of our subsidiaries, engaged in financial and insurance coverage transactions, including entering into loans and credit line facilities, with subsidiaries of BBVA Bancomer, a financial services holding company of which Ricardo Guajardo Touché, who is also a director of FEMSA, was the chairman of the board of directors until the fourth quarter of 2004 and is currently a director of, and of which José Antonio Fernández Carbajal, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Alberto Bailleres, one of our directors, are directors. These transactions include the following: (1) BBVA Bancomer was the administrative agent and was one of the lenders in a Ps. 1,728 million credit agreement entered into by FEMSA Comercio in 2004; (2) BBVA Bancomer was the lender in a Ps. 1,155 million credit agreement entered into with FEMSA Cerveza in 2004; (3) BBVA Bancomer was the lender in a Ps. 1,636 million credit agreement entered into with FEMSA Cerveza in 2003; (4) BBVA Bancomer was one of the two lenders in a Ps. 1,762 million credit agreement agreement entered into with FEMSA in 2004; and (5) BBVA Bancomer and its affiliates are also a lender under a term loan facility and a purchaser of certificados bursátiles issued in Mexico by Coca-Cola FEMSA in connection with the acquisition of Panamco.

We maintain an insurance policy covering auto insurance and medical expenses for executives issued by Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A., an insurance company of which the chairman of the board and chief executive officer is Alberto Bailleres, one of our directors. The aggregate amount of premiums paid under these policies was approximately Ps. 39 million, Ps. 52 million, and Ps. 84 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

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In 2006, FEMSA Comercio in its ordinary course of business, purchased Ps. 997 million, Ps. 916 million, and Ps. 813 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, in baked goods and snacks for its stores from subsidiaries of Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V., of which the chairman of the board is Roberto Servitje, a director of FEMSA. These purchases were entered into in the ordinary course of business, and we believe they were made on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length negotiations with unaffiliated third parties.

José Antonio Fernández Carbajal, Ricardo Guajardo Touché and Lorenzo H. Zambrano, who are directors of FEMSA, and Eva Garza de Fernández, who is an alternate director of FEMSA, are also members of the board of directors of ITESM, which is a prestigious university in Monterrey, Mexico that routinely receives donations from FEMSA and its subsidiaries.

Business Transactions between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company

Coca-Cola FEMSA regularly engages in transactions with The Coca-Cola Company and its affiliates. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases all of its concentrate requirements for Coca-Cola trademark beverages from The Coca-Cola Company. Total payments by Coca-Cola FEMSA to The Coca-Cola Company for concentrates were approximately Ps. 9,298 million, Ps. 8,328 million, and Ps. 7,767 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company pay and reimburse each other for marketing expenditures. The Coca-Cola Company also contributes to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s refrigeration equipment investment program. Coca-Cola FEMSA received contributions to its marketing expenses, which include its refrigeration equipment investment program, of Ps. 1,164 million, Ps. 1,106 million, and Ps. 1,018 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

In Argentina, Coca-Cola FEMSA also purchases a portion of its plastic ingot requirements for producing plastic bottles and all of its returnable bottle requirements from Embotelladora del Atlántico S.A., a local subsidiary of Embotelladora Andina, S.A., a Coca-Cola bottler with operations in Argentina, Chile and Brazil in which The Coca-Cola Company has a substantial interest.

In connection with the acquisition of Panamco, subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company made specified undertakings to support and facilitate the Panamco acquisition for the benefit of Coca-Cola FEMSA. In consideration for these undertakings, Coca-Cola FEMSA made certain undertakings for the benefit of The Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiaries, including indemnity obligations with respect to specified matters relating to the accuracy of disclosure and the compliance with applicable law by Coca-Cola FEMSA’s board of directors and the board of directors of Panamco and undertakings to take specified actions and refrain from specified others to facilitate the ability of The Coca-Cola Company to receive favorable tax treatment in connection with its participation in the acquisition. In connection with the execution of the acquisition agreement for Panamco, The Coca-Cola Company and FEMSA memorialized their understandings relating to specified operational and business issues that may affect Coca-Cola FEMSA following completion of the acquisition. A summary of these understandings is set forth under “Item 10. Additional Information—Material Contracts—The Coca-Cola Memorandum.”

On December 19, 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company announced an agreement with the controlling shareholders of Jugos del Valle to conduct a public tender offer in Mexico for up to 100% of the outstanding public shares of Jugos del Valle. If the tender offer is successfully completed, Coca-Cola FEMSA and Jugos del Valle would jointly control Jugos del Valle. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus—Recent Developments.”

On June 25, 2007, the Comisión Federal de Competencia (CFC), or the Mexican Antitrust Commission, notified us of its decision to object to the acquisition of Jugos del Valle. We intend to consider our options with respect to the transaction, which may include seeking a reconsideration of the decision.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Consolidated Financial Statements

See pages F-1 through F-63, incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Dividend Policy

For a discussion of our dividend policy, see “Item 3. Key Information—Dividends” and “Item 10. Additional Information.”

Legal Proceedings

We are party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Other than as disclosed in this annual report, we are not currently involved in any litigation or arbitration proceeding, including any proceeding that is pending or threatened of which we are aware, which we believe will have, or has had, a material adverse effect on our company. Other legal proceedings that are pending against or involve us and our subsidiaries are incidental to the conduct of our and their business. We believe that the ultimate disposition of such other proceedings individually or on an aggregate basis will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Coca-Cola FEMSA

Mexico

Antitrust Matters

During 2000, the Comisión Federal de Competencia (the Mexican Antitrust Commission), pursuant to complaints filed by PepsiCo. and certain of its bottlers in Mexico, started an investigation of The Coca-Cola Company and its bottlers. Later in 2002, the Mexican Antitrust Commission determined that The Coca-Cola Company’s bottlers engaged in monopolistic practices through exclusivity arrangements with certain retailers. The Mexican Antitrust Commission did not impose any fines, but ordered The Coca-Cola Company’s bottlers, including certain of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mexican subsidiaries, to abstain from entering into any exclusivity arrangement with retailers that stock soft drink bottles of up to 2.0-liters. Coca-Cola FEMSA, along with other Coca-Cola bottlers, appealed the resolution rendered in February 2002 by a Recurso de Reconsideración (Review Recourse) that was presented before the Mexican Antitrust Commission. The Mexican Antitrust Commission confirmed its original determination and issued a confirmatory resolution in July 2002. Coca-Cola FEMSA and its Mexican operating subsidiaries appealed this resolution before a Mexican federal court by initiating several juicios de amparo (appeals based on the violation of constitutional rights) and obtained favorable final decisions not subject to appeal. Under these judicial decisions, the resolution was declared null and void and the Mexican Antitrust Commission was ordered to issue a new resolution.

The case was inactive until May 2005, when the Mexican Antitrust Commission ordered the reopening of the proceeding and initiated the period for the filing of pleadings. Coca-Cola FEMSA subsequently filed its pleadings. In the proceeding, the Mexican Antitrust Commission determined, as in its first instance resolution, that the Coca-Cola bottlers engaged in monopolistic practices and (1) ordered the immediate suspension of such practices of alleged exclusivity arrangements and (2) imposed a fine of approximately Ps. 63.2 million.

Coca-Cola FEMSA filed an amparo proceeding challenging this rule in Mexican federal court, and an order was issued in its favor that granted protection against the resolution of the Mexican Antitrust Commission. The Mexican Antitrust Commission and the plaintiffs appealed this order to a Mexican Federal Court, which determined that the Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación (Mexican Supreme Court) should render a final decision on this matter. The result of such judgment is expected in the following coming months.

In March 2003, in a separate proceeding, the Mexican Antitrust Commission started an investigation involving The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola FEMSA and certain other Coca-Cola bottlers due to complaints filed by some retailers and Ajemex, S.A. de C.V. (Big Cola). In September 2003, the Mexican Antitrust Commission requested certain Coca-Cola bottlers, including some of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mexican subsidiaries, to provide information. Coca-Cola FEMSA initiated amparo proceedings, and a Mexican federal court issued a final ruling stating that the requests for information were unconstitutional. In August 2004, however, as a result of the investigation, the Mexican Antitrust Commission issued several Oficios de Presunta Responsabilidad

 

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(Statements of Charges) asserting that Coca-Cola FEMSA and its Mexican operating subsidiaries, as well as other bottlers, engaged in monopolistic practices and requested additional information. Coca-Cola FEMSA replied to the Oficios de Presunta Responsabilidad (Statements of Charges) by offering certain evidence, including expert witness reports, which were rejected by the Mexican Antitrust Commission. The Mexican Antitrust Commission issued a resolution that determined Coca-Cola FEMSA engaged in certain monopolistic practices and ordered it to abstain from engaging in such practices and imposed a fine of Ps. 63.2 million. Coca-Cola FEMSA initiated amparo proceedings against such first instance resolution, which are currently under review. We believe the resolution is without merit and intends to defend itself in this matter.

Thereafter, the investigated companies filed an appeal before the Mexican Antitrust Commission, which affirmed its prior resolution. Coca-Cola FEMSA subsequently challenged the resolution in Mexican federal court, which determined that the Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación (the Mexican Supreme Court) should render a final decision on this matter. A final ruling is expected within approximately the next 6 months.

We believe these assessments are without merit, however, we cannot give any assurances that any action taken as a result of these investigations will not negatively affect the company in the future.

Central America

Antitrust Matters in Costa Rica

During August 2001, the Comisión para Promover la Competencia in Costa Rica (Costa Rican Antitrust Commission), pursuant to a complaint filed by PepsiCo. and its bottler in Costa Rica, initiated an investigation of the sales practices of The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Costa Rican subsidiary for alleged monopolistic practices in retail distribution, including sales exclusivity arrangements. A ruling from the Costa Rican Antitrust Commission was issued in July 2004, which found the company engaged in monopolistic practices with respect to exclusivity arrangements, pricing and the sharing of refrigeration equipment under certain limited circumstances and imposed a US$ 130,000 fine. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s appeal of the Costa Rican Antitrust Commission’s ruling was recently dismissed. Coca-Cola FEMSA has filed judicial proceedings challenging the ruling of the Costa Rican Antitrust Commission and the process is still pending in court. We do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

In November, 2004, Ajecen del Sur S.A., the bottler of Big Cola in Costa Rica, filed a complaint before the Costa Rican Antitrust Commission related to monopolistic practices in retail distribution and exclusivity agreements against The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Costa Rican subsidiary. The Costa Rican Antitrust Commission has decided to pursue an investigation. The period for gathering of evidence ended in August 2006, and the final arguments have been filed. Coca-Cola FEMSA is waiting for the final resolution to be issued by the Costa Rican Antitrust Commission, which it expects to be issued at the end of March 2007.

Tax Matters in Costa Rica

In September 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Costa Rican subsidiary received notice of certain tax claims asserted by the Costa Rican tax authorities to pay taxes on sales of carbonated soft drinks from April 2002 through July 2003. These claims currently total approximately US$ 12 million. In previous years, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Costa Rican subsidiary had been required to pay similar taxes, however, due to favorable final decisions Coca-Cola FEMA received on appeals that it filed, it was not required to pay these taxes. Coca-Cola FEMSA has initiated a legal action against the current assessment by the Costa Rican tax authorities, which is currently under review. We believe this assessment is without merit.

 

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Colombia

Labor Matters

During July 2001, a labor union and several individuals from the Republic of Colombia filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against certain of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s subsidiaries. In the complaint, the plaintiffs alleged that the subsidiaries of the company acquired in the Panamco acquisition engaged in wrongful acts against the labor union and its members in Colombia, including kidnapping, torture, death threats and intimidation. The complaint alleges claims under the U.S. Alien Tort Claims Act, Torture Victim Protection Act, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and state tort law and seeks injunctive and declaratory relief and damages of more than US$ 500 million, including treble and punitive damages and the cost of the suit, including attorney fees. Coca-Cola FEMSA filed a motion to dismiss the complaint for lack of subject matter and personal jurisdiction. The court denied the motion to dismiss and the complaint based on jurisdictional grounds. The court also granted the motion to dismiss with respect to all of the claims in the lawsuit. Plaintiffs initially filed a motion of appeal and subsequently moved to stay the appellate proceedings. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and intends to defend itself in this matter.

Venezuela

Tax Matters

In 1999, certain of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Venezuelan subsidiaries received notice of certain tax claims asserted by the Venezuelan tax authorities. These subsidiaries have taken the appropriate recourse against these claims at the administrative level as well as before the courts in Venezuela. The claims currently total approximately US$ 15.6 million. The company has certain rights to indemnification from Venbottling Holding, Inc., a former shareholder of Panamco and The Coca-Cola Company, for a substantial portion of the claims. Coca-Cola FEMSA does not believe that the ultimate disposition of these cases will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Labor and Distribution Matters

Since 2001, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Venezuelan subsidiaries have been the subject of more than 400 claims and lawsuits by former independent distributors claiming alleged labor and severance rights owed to them at the time of the termination of their relationship with Coca-Cola FEMSA. As of December 31, 2006, the total amounts claimed by former distributors in respect of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Venezuela subsidiary were approximately US$14.8 million. Notwithstanding the number of claims and the amounts involved, most of these claims have been filed by former distributors that either entered into release agreements with Coca-Cola FEMSA’s subsidiaries at the time of their termination, and therefore Coca-Cola FEMSA believes have no rights for additional claims, or are claims that were filed after the expiration of the statute of limitations. These claims have been the subject of hearings in the Venezuelan National Assembly, which is requiring review of the claims by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. No decision has yet been issued.

Brazil

Antitrust Matters

Several claims have been filed against Coca-Cola FEMSA by private parties, which are currently pending before the Brazilian Ministry of Law and Economics that allege anticompetitive practices by Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Brazilian subsidiaries. The plaintiffs are Ragi (Dolly), a Brazilian producer of “B Brands,” and PepsiCo. Under Brazilian law, each of these claims could result in substantial monetary fines and other penalties. We believe each of the claims is without merit, and it intends to defend itself in these matters.

 

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FEMSA Cerveza

Antitrust Matters

On June 18, 2003, the Mexican Antitrust Commission disclosed its intention to launch an investigation (file number IO-05-2003) into the alleged beer industry practice of tied-customer arrangements. FEMSA Cerveza was among the brewers that received a request for information from the Mexican Antitrust Commission and responded by filing several amparo proceedings challenging the legality of the Commission’s actions. Thus far, the Mexican federal courts have ruled on all of these proceedings, finding no proper support or validity with respect to the Mexican Antitrust Commission’s request. As of the date of this annual report, the Mexican Antitrust Commission has not formally closed its investigation nor charged FEMSA Cerveza with any illegal behavior. However, FEMSA Cerveza cannot give any assurances that any action taken as a result of this investigation will not negatively affect FEMSA Cerveza’s operations in the future.

On August 24, 2004, the Mexican Antitrust Commission disclosed that it was launching an investigation (file number DE-24-2005) into beer industry practices with respect to exclusivity arrangements within the beer industry, and we and FEMSA Cerveza were among the companies that received requests for information on September 15, 2004 from the Mexican Antitrust Commission. On October 7, 2004, we and FEMSA Cerveza filed amparo proceedings before the appropriate Mexican federal district courts to challenge the grounds of the Mexican Antitrust Commission’s investigation and the requests for information. Concluding that we and FEMSA Cerveza unjustifiably failed to provide the information and documents requested by the Mexican Antitrust Commission, the Antitrust Commission imposed minor monetary fines on both us and FEMSA Cerveza, which challenged the corresponding resolutions.

In October 2005, as a result of its investigation, the Mexican Antitrust Commission issued an Oficio de Presunta Responsabilidad (Statement of Charges) asserting that FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza had engaged in monopolistic practices. FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza filed a rebuttal to such statement of charges and the proceedings are ongoing. Neither we nor FEMSA Cerveza can give any assurances that any action taken as a result of this investigation will not negatively affect us in the future.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

Description of Securities

We have three series of capital stock, each with no par value:

 

   

Series B Shares;

 

   

Series D-B Shares; and

 

   

Series D-L Shares.

Series B Shares have full voting rights, and Series D-B and D-L Shares have limited voting rights. Prior to May 11, 2008, the shares of our company are not separable and may be transferred only in the following forms:

 

   

B Units, consisting of five Series B Shares; and

 

   

BD Units, consisting of one Series B Share, two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares.

At our annual general ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on March 29, 2007, our shareholders approved a three-for-one stock split in respect all of our outstanding capital stock. Following the stock split, our total capital stock consists of 2,161,177,770 BD Units and 1,417,048,500 B Units. Our stock split also resulted in a three-for-one stock split our American Depositary Shares. The stock-split was conduced on a pro-rata basis in respect of all holders of our shares and all ADSs holders of record as of May 25, 2007, and the ratio of voting and non-voting shares was maintained, thereby preserving our ownership structure as it was prior to the stock-split.

 

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On May 11, 2008, each Series D-B Share will automatically convert into one Series B Share with full voting rights, and each Series D-L Share will automatically convert into one Series L Share with limited voting rights. At that time:

 

   

the BD Units and the B Units will cease to exist and the underlying Series B Shares and Series L Shares will be separate; and

 

   

the Series B Shares and Series L Shares will be entitled to share equally in any dividend, and the dividend preferences of the Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares of 125% of any amount distributed in respect of each Series B Share existing prior to May 11, 2008 will be terminated.

The following table sets forth information regarding our capital stock as of May 31, 2007:

 

     Number    Percentage of
Capital
    Percentage
of Voting
 
Class        

Series B Shares (no par value)

   9,246,420,270    51.7 %   100.0 %

Series D-B Shares (no par value)

   4,322,355,540    24.2     0.0  

Series D-L Shares (no par value)

   4,322,355,540    24.2     0.0  

Total Shares

   17,891,131,350    100.0     100.0  
Units        

BD Units

   2,161,177,770    60.4     23.4  

B Units

   1,417,048,500    39.6     76.6  

Total Units

   3,578,226,270    100.0     100.0  

Trading Markets

Prior to May 11, 1998, there was no market for the BD Units, the B Units or any of our shares. Since May 11, 1998, ADSs representing BD Units have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and the BD Units and the B Units have been listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Each ADS represents 10 BD Units deposited under the deposit agreement with the ADS depositary.

The New York Stock Exchange trading symbol for the ADSs is “FMX” and the Mexican Stock Exchange trading symbols are “FEMSA UBD” for the BD Units and “FEMSA UB” for the B Units.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar have affected the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Mexican peso price of our shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange and, consequently, have also affected the market price of our ADSs. See “Item 3. Key Information—Exchange Rate Information.”

Trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange

The Mexican Stock Exchange, located in Mexico City, is the only stock exchange in Mexico. Founded in 1907, it is organized as a corporation, the shares of which are held by 30 brokerage firms, that are exclusively authorized to trade on the exchange. Trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange takes place principally through automated systems and is open between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Mexico City time, each business day. Trades in securities listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange can also be effected off the exchange. The Mexican Stock Exchange operates a system of automatic suspension of trading in shares of a particular issuer as a means of controlling excessive price volatility, but under current regulations this system does not apply to securities such as the BD Units that are directly or indirectly (for example, in the form of ADSs) quoted on a stock exchange (including for these purposes the New York Stock Exchange) outside Mexico.

Settlement is effected two business days after a share transaction on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Deferred settlement, even by mutual agreement, is not permitted without the approval of the Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission) or CNBV. Most securities traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange, including ours, are on deposit with S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V., Instituto para el Depósito de Valores, a privately owned securities depositary that acts as a clearinghouse for Mexican Stock Exchange transactions.

 

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Price History

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high, low and closing sale prices and the average daily trading volumes for the BD Units and B Units on the Mexican Stock Exchange and the reported high, low and closing sale prices and the average daily trading volumes for the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

     BD Units (1)  
     Nominal pesos         

Average Daily

Trading Volume
(Units)

 
     High(2)     Low(2)     Close(3)     FX rate    Close US$(4)    

2002

   46.00     31.89     37.93     10.43    3.64     948,565  

2003

   44.68     33.50     41.48     11.24    3.69     1,011,052  

2004

   59.60     41.02     58.51     11.15    5.25     1,104,705  

2005

             

First Quarter

   67.75     57.02     59.84     11.18    5.35     546,675  

Second Quarter

   64.13     55.89     64.13     10.77    5.95     936,520  

Third Quarter

   79.39     63.70     75.14     10.79    6.96     677,012  

Fourth Quarter

   77.96     70.09     77.08     10.63    7.25     614,653  

2006

             

First Quarter

   100.72     77.06     99.45     10.90    9.13     849,706  

Second Quarter

   106.08     83.73     94.91     11.29    8.41     878,448  

Third Quarter

   109.33     88.60     106.76     10.98    9.72     597,854  

Fourth Quarter

   126.76     102.61     125.17     10.80    11.59     842,273  

December

   127.90     116.30     125.17     10.80    11.59     695,867  

2007

             

January

   133.12     123.00     132.26     11.04    11.98     767,732  

February

   146.48     119.65     123.62     11.16    11.08     1,516,205  

March

   128.00     114.80     122.03     11.04    11.05     2,011,262  

April

   127.73     116.26     117.85     10.93    10.78     2,151,658  

May

   42.83 (5)   40.08 (5)   42.71 (5)   10.74    3.98 (5)   6,089,873 (6)

June(7)

   43.52 (5)   42.00 (5)   42.26 (5)   10.81    3.91 (5)   3,615,491 (6)

(1) The prices and average daily trading volume for the BD Units were taken from Bloomberg.

 

(2) High and low closing prices for the periods presented.

 

(3) Closing price on the last day of the periods presented.

 

(4) Represents the translation from Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars of the closing price of the BD Units on the last day of the periods presented based on the noon buying rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on such date.

 

(5) Reflects 3-for-1 stock split, which was effective May 28, 2007 in respect of our BD Units

 

(6) Reflects increased trading volume as of May 28, 2007 as a result of our 3-for-1 stock split.

 

(7) Information from June 1 to June 15, 2007.

 

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     B Units (1)  
     Nominal pesos          Average Daily
Trading Volume(Units)
 
     High(2)     Low(2)     Close(3)     FX rate    Close US$(4)    

2002

   40.00     34.00     37.00     10.43    3.55     800  

2003

   40.90     33.70     38.70     11.24    3.44     2,278  

2004

   52.00     39.50     52.00     11.15    4.66     4,278  

2005

             

First Quarter

   56.39     48.70     55.00     11.18    4.92     591  

Second Quarter

   58.24     50.11     51.15     10.77    4.75     991,861  

Third Quarter

   72.50     53.95     72.24     10.79    6.69     525  

Fourth Quarter

   71.25     65.00     65.00     10.63    6.12     195  

2006

             

First Quarter

   90.00     69.00     90.00     10.90    8.26     214,962  

Second Quarter

   102.28     92.00     92.00     11.29    8.15     80,674  

Third Quarter

   100.00     91.00     100.00     10.98    9.11     825  

Fourth Quarter

   101.00     96.50     100.00     10.80    9.26     1,247  

December

   100.00     100.00     100.00     10.80    9.26     2,500  

2007

             

January

   112.00     100.00     112.00     11.04    10.14     525  

February

   127.00     116.00     127.00     11.16    11.38     20,900  

March

   122.00     118.49     122.00     11.04    11.05     7,867  

April

   122.00     122.00     122.00     10.93    11.16     0  

May

   40.92 (5)   40.33 (5)   40.92 (5)   10.74    3.81 (5)   1,500 (6)

June(7)

   42.00 (5)   41.00 (5)   41.70 (5)   10.81    3.86 (5)   2,167 (6)

(1) The prices and average daily trading volume for the B Units were taken from Bloomberg.

 

(2) High and low closing prices for the periods presented.

 

(3) Closing price on the last day of the periods presented.

 

(4) Represents the translation from Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars of the closing price of the B Units on the last day of the periods presented based on the noon buying rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on such date.

 

(5) Reflects 3-for-1 stock split, which was effective May 28, 2007, in respect of our B Units.

 

(6) Reflects increased trading volume as of May 28, 2007 as a result of our 3-for-1 stock split.

 

(7) Information from June 1 to June 15, 2007.

 

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     ADSs(1)  
     U.S. dollars    

Average Daily

Trading Volume

(ADSs)

 
     High(2)     Low(2)     Close(3)    

2002

   49.21     33.80     36.42     229,017  

2003

   42.11     30.65     36.88     250,142  

2004

   52.93     37.01     52.61     282,296  

2005

        

First Quarter

   60.88     51.05     53.55     296,533  

Second Quarter

   59.57     50.91     59.57     383,661  

Third Quarter

   73.75     59.32     69.92     357,092  

Fourth Quarter

   72.55     64.50     72.51     275,079  

2006

        

First Quarter

   91.94     74.56     91.66     355,721  

Second Quarter

   96.99     73.22     83.72     509,811  

Third Quarter

   99.90     80.66     96.94     351,371  

Fourth Quarter

   117.50     95.35     115.76     328,252  

December

   118.88     105.50     115.76     353,710  

2007

        

January

   120.54     112.10     120.07     349,990  

February

   134.25     105.25     110.58     676,775  

March

   116.37     102.45     110.39     594,777  

April

   116.40     106.22     107.69     666,381  

May

   39.91 (4)   36.79 (4)   39.84 (4)   1,030,187 (5)

June(6)

   40.44 (4)   38.40 (4)   39.35 (4)   739,209 (5)

(1) Each ADS is comprised of 10 BD Units. Prices and average daily trading volume were taken from Bloomberg.

 

(2) High and low closing prices for the periods presented.

 

(3) Closing price on the last day of the periods presented.

 

(4) Prices reflect 3-for-1 stock split, which was effective in respect of our ADS on May 30, 2007.

 

(5) Reflects increased trading volume as of May 30, 2007 as a result of our 3-for-1 stock split.

 

(6) Information from June 1, 2007 to June 15, 2007.

 

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ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bylaws

The following is a summary of the material provisions of our bylaws and applicable Mexican law. For a description of the provisions of our bylaws relating to our board of directors and executive officers, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”

The Mexican Securities Law that came into effect in 2006 includes provisions that, among others, seek to improve the regulation of disclosure of information, minority shareholder rights and corporate governance. In addition, the Mexican Securities Law imposes further duties and liabilities on the members of the board of directors as well as on the relevant officers (such as a duty of loyalty and a duty of care). Likewise, under the Mexican Securities Law we were required to adopt specific amendments to our bylaws, which we carried out in 2006. The most significant of these amendments relate to the following:

 

   

change in our corporate name to reflect that we have adopted a new corporate form called a listed stock corporation (sociedad anónima bursátil, or the initials S.A.B.);

 

   

redefinition of the functions and structure of the Board of Directors, whereby, among others, the management of the company is entrusted to the board of directors and also to the company’s chief executive officer, who is required to follow the strategies, policies and guidelines approved by the board of directors and the authority, obligations and duties expressly authorized in the Mexican Securities Law;

 

   

surveillance is entrusted to the Board of Directors, which is assisted by the Corporate Practices Committee that has been recently created for such purposes, the Audit Committee and our external auditor;

 

   

the Corporate Practices Committee and the Audit Committee consist solely of independent directors, each committee is formed by at least 3 board members appointed by the shareholders or by the board of directors, as proposed by the chairman of the board of directors;

 

   

the chairmen of the Corporate Practices Committee and the Audit Committee are appointed (taking into consideration their experience, capacity and professional prestige) and removed exclusively by a shareholders’ meeting, provided that the chairmen shall not also serve as chairman of the board of directors;

 

   

elimination of the role and responsibilities of the statutory examiner (comisario), whose responsibilities have been assumed by the board of directors through the new Corporate Practices Committee and the Audit Committee, as well as by our external auditor;

 

   

ability to have the external auditor attend meetings of the board of directors, as an observer with a right to participate, but without voting rights;

 

   

the ability to call a meeting of the board of directors, and to cause items to be added to the agenda, is now extended to the chairman of the board of directors, the chairman of the new Corporate Practices Committee and the Audit Committee, or to at least 25% of the members of the board of directors;

 

   

independence of members of the board of directors is now determined through a shareholders’ meeting, subject to CNBV’s authority to challenge such determination;

 

   

directors may continue in the exercise of their functions even if the term for which they have been appointed has concluded, up to a term of 30 calendar days; the board of directors is entitled to appoint interim members, without need of a shareholders’ meeting, in the event of an absence of any member of

 

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the board of directors, or if the appointed members does not accept or take office and no alternate director was appointed or such alternate did not take office;

 

   

holders of Series D and L Shares are entitled to vote in the matters expressly set forth in the Mexican Securities Law; and

 

   

any capital increase by means of an issuance of non-subscribed shares to be held in treasury of the company requires approval at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.

Organization and Register

We are a sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable organized in Mexico under the Mexican General Corporations Law. We were incorporated in 1936 under the name Valores Industriales, S.A., as a sociedad anónima, and are currently named Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. On December 5, 2006, as required by the new Mexican Securities Law, we changed our name to reflect that we are a sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable (a variable capital listed stock corporation), whereas previously companies’ names in Mexico, including ours, did not indicate whether the company was a listed company (sociedad anónima de capital variable). We were registered in the Public Registry of Commerce of Monterrey, Nuevo León on May 30, 1936 under the mercantile number 16, page 168, volume 79, third book, second auxiliary of the Registry.

Voting Rights and Certain Minority Rights

Each Series B Share entitles its holder to one vote at any of our ordinary or extraordinary general shareholders meetings. Our bylaws state that the board of directors must comprise no more than 21 members. Holders of Series B Shares are entitled to elect at least 11 members of our board of directors. Holders of Series D-B and D-L Shares are entitled to elect five members of our board of directors and, upon conversion of the Series D-L Shares to Series L Shares or upon issuance of Series L Shares, the holders of Series L Shares will be entitled to elect two members of the board of directors. None of our shares has cumulative voting rights, which are not customary for Mexican companies.

Under our bylaws, the holders of Series D and L Shares are entitled to vote at extraordinary shareholders meetings called to consider any of the following limited matters: (1) the transformation from one form of corporate organization to another, other than from a company with variable capital stock to a company without variable capital stock or vice versa, (2) any merger in which we are not the surviving entity or with other entities whose principal corporate purposes are different from those of our company or our subsidiaries, (3) change of nationality, (4) dissolution and liquidation and (5) the cancellation of the registration of the Series D Shares or Series L Shares in the Mexican Stock Exchange or in any other foreign stock market where listed, except in the case of the conversion of these shares as provided for in our bylaws.

Under Mexican law, holders of shares of any series are entitled to vote as a class in a special meeting governed by the same rules that apply to extraordinary shareholders meetings on any action that would have an effect on the rights of holders of shares of such series. There are no procedures for determining whether a particular proposed shareholder action requires a class vote, and Mexican law does not provide extensive guidance on the criteria to be applied in making such a determination.

Pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law and the Mexican General Corporations Law, our bylaws include a number of minority shareholder protections. These minority protections include provisions that permit:

 

   

holders of at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote (including in a limited or restricted manner) may require the chairman of the board of directors or of the Audit Committee or Corporate Practices Committee to call a shareholders’ meeting;

 

   

holders of at least 5% of our outstanding capital stock may bring an action for liabilities against our directors, the secretary of the board of directors or the relevant officers;

 

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holders of at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock who are entitled to vote, including limited or restricted vote, at any shareholders meeting to request that resolutions with respect to any matter on which they considered they were not sufficiently informed be postponed;

 

   

holders of 20% of our outstanding capital stock to oppose any resolution adopted at a shareholders meeting in which they are entitled to vote, including limited or restricted vote, and file a petition for a court order to suspend the resolution temporarily within 15 days following the adjournment of the meeting at which the action was taken, provided that (1) the challenged resolution violates Mexican law or our bylaws, (2) the opposing shareholders neither attended the meeting nor voted in favor of the challenged resolution and (3) the opposing shareholders deliver a bond to the court to secure payment of any damages that we may suffer as a result of suspending the resolution in the event that the court ultimately rules against the opposing shareholder; and

 

   

holders of at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock who are entitled to vote, including limited or restricted vote, to appoint one member of our board of directors and one alternate member of our board of directors.

Shareholders Meetings

General shareholders meetings may be ordinary meetings or extraordinary meetings. Extraordinary meetings are those called to consider certain matters specified in Article 182 and 228 bis. of the Mexican General Corporations Law, Article 53 of the Mexican Securities Law and in our bylaws. These matters include: amendments to our bylaws, liquidation, dissolution, merger and transformation from one form of corporate organization to another, issuance of preferred stock and increases and reductions of the fixed portion of our capital stock. In addition, our bylaws require an extraordinary meeting to consider the cancellation of the registration of shares with the Mexican Registry of Securities, or RNV or with other foreign stock exchanges on which our shares may be listed, the amortization of distributable earnings into capital stock and an increase in our capital stock in terms of the Mexican Securities Law. General meetings called to consider all other matters, including increases or decreases affecting the variable portion of our capital stock, are ordinary meetings. An ordinary meeting must be held at least once each year within the first four months following the end of the preceding fiscal year. Holders of BD Units or B Units, and beginning on May 11, 2008, holders of B Shares, are entitled to attend all shareholders meetings of the Series B Shares and Series D Shares included in the BD Units or B Units and to vote on matters that are subject to the vote of holders of the underlying shares.

The quorum for an ordinary shareholders meeting of the Series B Shares on first call is more than 50% of the Series B Shares, and action may be taken by a majority of the Series B Shares represented at the meeting. If a quorum is not available, a second or subsequent meeting may be called and held by whatever number of Series B Shares is represented at the meeting, at which meeting action may be taken by a majority of the Series B Shares that are represented at the meeting.

The quorum for an extraordinary shareholders meeting is at least 75% of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting, and action may be taken by a vote of the majority of all the outstanding shares that are entitled to vote. If a quorum is not available, a second meeting may be called, at which the quorum will be the majority of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote, and actions will be taken by holders of the majority of all the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote.

Shareholders meetings may be called by the board of directors, the Audit Committee or the Corporate Practice Committee and, under certain circumstances, a Mexican court. Holders of 10% or more of our capital stock may require the chairman of the board of directors, or the chairman of the Audit Committee or Corporate Practices Committee to call a shareholders meeting. A notice of meeting and an agenda must be published in the Periódico Oficial del Estado de Nuevo León (the Official State Gazette of Nuevo León) or a newspaper of general circulation in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico at least 15 days prior to the date set for the meeting. Notices must set forth the place, date and time of the meeting and the matters to be addressed and must be signed by whomever convened the meeting. Shareholders meetings will be deemed validly held and convened without a prior notice or

 

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publication whenever all the shares representing our capital stock are fully represented. All relevant information relating to the shareholders meeting must be made available to shareholders starting on the date of publication of the notice. To attend a meeting, shareholders must deposit their shares with the company or with Indeval or an institution for the deposit of securities prior to the meeting as indicated in the notice. If entitled to attend a meeting, a shareholder may be represented by an attorney-in-fact.

Dividend Rights

At the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting, the board of directors submits the financial statements of the company for the previous fiscal year, together with a report thereon by the board of directors. Once the holders of Series B Shares have approved the financial statements, they determine the allocation of our net profits for the preceding year. Mexican law requires the allocation of at least 5% of net profits to a legal reserve, which is not subsequently available for distribution, until the amount of the legal reserve equals 20% of our paid in capital stock. Thereafter, the holders of Series B Shares may determine and allocate a certain percentage of net profits to any general or special reserve, including a reserve for open-market purchases of our shares. The remainder of net profits is available for distribution in the form of dividends to the shareholders. Dividends may only be paid if net profits are sufficient to offset losses from prior fiscal years.

Amounts allocated as dividends will be paid to the holders of capital stock of our company in the following manner. Our bylaws provide that, before May 11, 2008, dividends will be allocated among the shares outstanding and fully paid at the time a dividend is declared in such manner that each Series D-B Share and Series D-L Share receives 125% of the dividend distributed in respect of each Series B Share. Holders of Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares are entitled to this dividend premium in connection with all dividends paid by us. On May 11, 2008, the Series D-B Shares will automatically convert into Series B Shares and the Series D-L Shares will automatically convert into Series L Shares, which will not be entitled to a dividend premium. From and after May 11, 2008, the Series B Shares and Series L Shares that are outstanding and fully paid at the time a dividend is declared will be entitled to share equally in any dividend.

Change in Capital and Withdrawal Rights

Our outstanding capital stock consists of both a fixed and a variable portion. The fixed portion of our capital stock may be increased or decreased only by an amendment of the bylaws adopted by an extraordinary shareholders meeting. The variable portion of our capital stock may be increased or decreased by resolution of an ordinary shareholders meeting. Capital increases and decreases must be recorded in our share registry and book of capital variations, if applicable.

A capital stock increase may be effected through the issuance of new shares for payment in cash or in kind, or by capitalization of indebtedness or of certain items of stockholders’ equity. Treasury stock may only be sold pursuant to a public offering.

Any increase or decrease in our capital stock or any redemption or repurchase will be subject to the following limitations: (1) Series B Shares will always represent at least 51% of our outstanding capital stock and the Series D-L Shares and Series L Shares will never represent more than 25% of our outstanding capital stock; (2) before May 11, 2008, the Series D-B, Series D-L and Series L Shares will not exceed, in the aggregate, 49% of our outstanding capital stock; and (3) from and after May 11, 2008, no Series D Shares will be outstanding, the Series L Shares will represent up to 25% of our outstanding capital stock and the Series B Shares will represent at least 75% of our outstanding capital stock.

Preemptive Rights

Under Mexican law, except in limited circumstances which are described below, in the event of an increase in our capital stock, a holder of record generally has the right to subscribe to shares of a series held by such holder sufficient to maintain such holder’s existing proportionate holding of shares of that series. Preemptive rights must be exercised during a term fixed by the shareholders at the meeting declaring the capital increase, which term

 

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must last at least 15 days following the publication of notice of the capital increase in the Official State Gazette. As a result of applicable United States securities laws, holders of ADSs may be restricted in their ability to participate in the exercise of preemptive rights under the terms of the deposit agreement. Shares subject to a preemptive rights offering, with respect to which preemptive rights have not been exercised, may be sold by us to third parties on the same terms and conditions previously approved by the shareholders or the board of directors. Under Mexican law, preemptive rights cannot be waived in advance or be assigned, or be represented by an instrument that is negotiable separately from the corresponding shares.

Our bylaws provide that shareholders will not have preemptive rights to subscribe shares in the event of a capital stock increase in the following events: (1) merger of the Company; (2) conversion of obligations in terms of the Mexican General Corporations Law; (3) public offering in terms of articles 53 and 56 of the Mexican Securities Law; (4) capital increase made through the payment in kind of the issued shares or through the cancellation of debt of the Company; and (5) issuance of shares acquired by the company.

Limitations on Share Ownership

Ownership by non-Mexican nationals of shares of Mexican companies is regulated by the Foreign Investment Law and its regulations. The Foreign Investment Commission is responsible for the administration of the Foreign Investment Law and its regulations.

As a general rule, the Foreign Investment Law allows foreign holdings of up to 100% of the capital stock of Mexican companies, except for those companies engaged in certain specified restricted industries. The Foreign Investment Law and its regulations require that Mexican shareholders retain the power to determine the administrative control and the management of corporations in industries in which special restrictions on foreign holdings are applicable. Foreign investment in our shares is not limited under either the Foreign Investment Law or its regulations.

Authority of the Board of Directors

The board of directors is our legal representative and is authorized to take any action in connection with our operations not expressly reserved to our shareholders. Pursuant to the Mexican Securities Law, the board of directors must approve, observing at all moments their duty of care and duty of loyalty, among other matters:

 

   

any transactions with related parties outside the ordinary course of our business

 

   

significant asset transfers or acquisitions;

 

   

material guarantees or collateral;

 

   

internal policies; and

 

   

other material transactions.

Meetings of the board of directors are validly convened and held if a majority of the members are present. Resolutions passed at these meetings will be valid if approved by a majority of members of the board of directors are present at the meeting. If required, the chairman of the board of directors may cast a tie-breaking vote.

Redemption

We may redeem part of our shares for cancellation with distributable earnings pursuant to a decision of an extraordinary shareholders meeting. Only shares subscribed and fully paid for may be redeemed. Any shares intended to be redeemed shall be purchased on the Mexican Stock Exchange in accordance with the Mexican General Corporations Law and the Mexican Securities Market Law. No shares will be redeemed, if as a consequence of such redemption, the Series D and Series L Shares in the aggregate exceed the percentages permitted by our bylaws or if any such redemption will reduce our fixed capital below its minimum.

 

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Repurchase of Shares

According to our bylaws, subject to the provisions of the Mexican Securities Law and under rules promulgated by the CNBV, we may repurchase our shares.

In accordance with the Mexican Securities Law, our subsidiaries may not purchase, directly or indirectly, shares of our capital stock or any security that represents such shares.

Forfeiture of Shares

As required by Mexican law, our bylaws provide that non-Mexican holders of BD Units, B Units or shares (1) are considered to be Mexican with respect to such shares that they acquire or hold and (2) may not invoke the protection of their own governments in respect of the investment represented by those shares. Failure to comply with our bylaws may result in a penalty of forfeiture of a shareholder’s capital stock in favor of the Mexican state. In the opinion of Lic. Carlos Aldrete Ancira, our general counsel, under this provision, a non-Mexican shareholder (including a non-Mexican holder of ADSs) is deemed to have agreed not to invoke the protection of its own government by asking such government to interpose a diplomatic claim against the Mexican state with respect to its rights as a shareholder, but is not deemed to have waived any other rights it may have, including any rights under the United States securities laws, with respect to its investment in our company. If a shareholder should invoke governmental protection in violation of this agreement, its shares could be forfeited to the Mexican state.

Duration

The bylaws provide that the duration of our company is 99 years, commencing on May 30, 1936.

Appraisal Rights

Whenever the shareholders approve a change of corporate purpose, change of nationality or the transformation from one form of corporate organization to another, any shareholder entitled to vote on such change that has voted against it, may withdraw as a shareholder of our company and have its shares redeemed by FEMSA at a price per share calculated as specified under applicable Mexican law, provided that it exercises its right within 15 days following the adjournment of the meeting at which the change was approved. Under Mexican law, the amount which a withdrawing shareholder is entitled to receive is equal to its proportionate interest in our capital stock or according to our most recent balance sheet approved by an ordinary general shareholders meeting.

Delisting of Shares

In the event of a cancellation of the registration of any of our shares with the RNV, whether by order of the CNBV or at our request with the prior consent of 95% of the holders of our outstanding capital stock, our bylaws and the new Mexican Securities Law require us to make a public offer to acquire these shares prior to their cancellation.

Liquidation

Upon the dissolution of our company, one or more liquidators must be appointed by an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders to wind up its affairs. All fully paid and outstanding shares of capital stock will be entitled to participate equally in any distribution upon liquidation.

 

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Actions Against Directors

Shareholders (including holders of Series D-B and Series D-L Shares) representing, in the aggregate, not less than 5% of our capital stock may directly bring an action against directors.

In the event of actions derived from any breach of the duty of care and the duty of loyalty, liability is exclusively in favor of the company. The Mexican Securities Law, contrary to the previous securities law, establishes that liability may be imposed on the members and the secretary of the board of directors, as well as to the relevant officers.

Notwithstanding, the Mexican Securities Law provides that the members of the board of directors will not incur, individually or jointly, liability for damages and losses caused to the company, when their acts were made in good faith, in any of the following events (1) the directors complied with the requirements of the Mexican Securities Law and with the company’s bylaws, (2) the decision making or voting was based on information provided by the relevant officers, the external auditor or the independent experts, whose capacity and credibility do not offer reasonable doubt; (3) the negative economic effects could not have been foreseen, based on the information available; and (4) they comply with the resolutions of the shareholders’ meeting when such resolutions comply with applicable law.

Fiduciary Duties—Duty of Care

The Mexican Securities Law provides that the directors shall act in good faith and in our best interest and in the best interest of our subsidiaries. In order to fulfill its duty, the board of directors may:

 

   

request information about us or our subsidiaries that is reasonably necessary to fulfill its duties;

 

   

require our officers and certain other persons, including the external auditors, to appear at board of directors’ meetings to report to the board of directors;

 

   

postpone board of directors’ meetings for up to three days when a director has not been given sufficient notice of the meeting or in the event that a director has not been provided with the information provided to the other directors; and

 

   

require a matter be discussed and voted upon by the full board of directors in the presence of the secretary of the board of directors.

Our directors may be liable for damages for failing to comply their duty of care if such failure causes economic damage to us or our subsidiaries and the director (1) failed to attend, board of directors’ or committee meetings and as a result of, such failure, the board of directors was unable to take action, unless such absence is approved by the shareholders meeting, (2) failed to disclose to the board of directors or the committees material information necessary for the board of directors to reach a decision, unless legally or contractually prohibited from doing so in order to maintain confidentiality, and (3) failed to comply with the duties imposed by the Mexican Securities Law or our bylaws.

Fiduciary Duties—Duty of Loyalty

The Mexican Securities Law provides that the directors and secretary of the board of directors shall keep confidential any non-public information and matters about which they have knowledge as a result of their position. Also, directors should abstain from participating, attending or voting at meetings related to matters where they have a conflict of interest.

 

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The directors and secretary of the board of directors will be deemed to have violated the duty of loyalty, and will be liable for damages, when they obtain an economic benefit by virtue of their position. Further, the directors will fail to comply with their duty of loyalty if they:

 

   

vote at a board of directors’ meeting or take any action on a matter involving our assets where there is a conflict of interest;

 

   

fail to disclose a conflict of interest during a board of directors’ meeting;

 

   

enter into an voting arrangement to support a particular shareholder or group of shareholders against the other shareholders;

 

   

approve of transactions without complying with the requirements of the Mexican Securities Law;

 

   

use company property in violation of the policies approved by the board of directors;

 

   

unlawfully use material non-public information; and

 

   

usurp a corporate opportunity for their own benefit or the benefit of third parties, without the prior approval of the board of directors.

Limited Liability

The liability of shareholders for our company’s losses is limited to their shareholdings in our company.

Taxation

The following summary contains a description of certain U.S. federal income and Mexican federal tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ADSs by a holder that is a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S. domestic corporation or a person or entity that otherwise will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of our ADSs, whom we refer to as a U.S. holder, but it does not purport to be a description of all of the possible tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase, hold or dispose of ADSs. In particular, this discussion does not address all Mexican or U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular investor, nor does it address the special tax rules applicable to certain categories of investors, such as banks, dealers, traders who elect to mark to market, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, certain short-term holders of ADSs or investors who hold our ADSs as part of a hedge, straddle, conversion or integrated transaction or investors who have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar. This summary deals only with U.S. holders that will hold our ADSs as capital assets and does not address the tax treatment of a U.S. holder that owns or is treated as owning 10% or more of the voting shares (including ADSs) of the company.

This summary is based upon the federal tax laws of the United States and Mexico as in effect on the date of this annual report, including the provisions of the income tax treaty between the United States and Mexico which we refer to as the Tax Treaty, which are subject to change. The summary does not address any tax consequences under the laws of any state or locality of Mexico or the United States or the laws of any taxing jurisdiction other than the federal laws of Mexico and the United States. Holders of our ADSs should consult their tax advisors as to the U.S., Mexican or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ADSs, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local tax laws.

Mexican Taxation

For purposes of this summary, the term “non-resident holder” means a holder that is not a resident of Mexico for tax purposes and that does not hold our ADSs in connection with the conduct of a trade or business through a permanent establishment for tax purposes in Mexico. For purposes of Mexican taxation, an individual is

 

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a resident of Mexico if he or she has established his or her home in Mexico, or if he or she has another home outside Mexico, but his or her Centro de Intereses Vitales (Center of Vital Interests) (as defined in the Mexican Tax Code) is located in Mexico. A legal entity is a resident of Mexico either if it has its principal place of business or its place of effective management in Mexico. A Mexican citizen is presumed to be a resident of Mexico unless he or she can demonstrate that the contrary is true. If a legal entity or an individual is deemed to have a permanent establishment in Mexico for tax purposes, all income attributable to the permanent establishment will be subject to Mexican taxes, in accordance with applicable tax laws.

Taxation of Dividends. Under Mexican income tax law, dividends, either in cash or in kind, paid with respect to our shares represented by our ADSs are not subject to Mexican withholding tax.

Taxation of Dispositions of ADSs. Gains from the sale or disposition of ADSs by non-resident holders will not be subject to Mexican tax, if the disposition is carried out through a stock exchange recognized under applicable Mexican tax law.

Gains on the sale or other disposition of ADSs made in circumstances different from those set forth in the prior paragraph generally would be subject to Mexican tax, regardless of the nationality or residence of the transferor. However, under the Tax Treaty, a holder that is eligible to claim the benefits of the Tax Treaty will be exempt from Mexican tax on gains realized on a sale or other disposition of our ADSs in a transaction that is not carried out through the Mexican Stock Exchange or other approved securities markets, so long as the holder did not own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of our outstanding capital stock (including shares represented by our ADSs) within the 12-month period preceding such sale or other disposition. Deposits of shares in exchange for ADSs and withdrawals of shares in exchange for our ADSs will not give rise to Mexican tax.

Other Mexican Taxes. There are no Mexican inheritance, gift, succession or value added taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer, exchange or disposition of our ADSs. There are no Mexican stamp, issue, registration or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of our ADSs.

United States Taxation

Taxation of Dividends. The gross amount of any dividends paid with respect to our shares represented by our ADSs generally will be included in the gross income of a U.S. holder as ordinary income on the day on which the dividends are received by the ADS depositary and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Dividends, which will be paid in Mexican pesos, will be includible in the income of a U.S. holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated, in general, by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date that they are received by the ADS depositary (regardless of whether such Mexican pesos are in fact converted into U.S. dollars on such date). If such dividends are converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividends. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the treatment of the foreign currency gain or loss, if any, on any Mexican pesos received that are converted into U.S. dollars on a date subsequent to the date of receipt. Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual U.S. holder in respect of the ADSs for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 is subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Dividends paid on the ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if (1) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules and (2) we were not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company. The income tax treaty between Mexico and the United States has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules. Based on our audited consolidated financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, we believe that we were not treated as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 2006 taxable year. In addition, based on our audited consolidated financial statements and our current expectations regarding the value and nature of our assets, the sources and nature of our income, and relevant market and shareholder data, we do not anticipate becoming a passive foreign investment company for our 2007 taxable year. Dividends generally will constitute foreign source “passive income” for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

 

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Distributions to holders of additional shares with respect to our ADSs that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

A holder of ADSs that is, with respect to the United States, a foreign corporation or non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on ADSs unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States.

Taxation of Capital Gains. A gain or loss realized by a U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of ADSs will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and such U.S. holder’s tax basis in the ADSs. Any such gain or loss will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the ADSs were held for more than one year on the date of such sale. Any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. holder that is an individual is subject to a reduced rate of federal income taxation. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Deposits and withdrawals of shares by U.S. holders in exchange for ADSs will not result in the realization of gains or losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Any gain realized by a U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of ADSs will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

A non-U.S. holder of ADSs will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized on the sale of ADSs, unless (1) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States, or (2) in the case of a gain realized by an individual non-U.S. holder, the non-U.S. holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are met.

United States Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. A U.S. holder of ADSs may, under certain circumstances, be subject to “backup withholding” with respect to certain payments to such U.S. holder, such as dividends, interest or the proceeds of a sale or disposition of ADSs, unless such holder (1) is a corporation or comes within certain exempt categories, and demonstrates this fact when so required, or (2) provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amount withheld under these rules does not constitute a separate tax and will be creditable against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. While non-U.S. holders generally are exempt from backup withholding, a non-U.S. holder may, in certain circumstances, be required to comply with certain information and identification procedures in order to prove this exemption.

Material Contracts

We and our subsidiaries are parties to a variety of material agreements with third parties, including shareholders’ agreements, supply agreements and purchase and service agreements. Set forth below are summaries of the material terms of such agreements. The actual agreements have either been filed as exhibits to, or incorporated by reference in, this annual report. See “Item 19. Exhibits.”

Coca-Cola FEMSA

Shareholders Agreement

Coca-Cola FEMSA operates pursuant to a shareholders agreement among two subsidiaries of FEMSA, The Coca-Cola Company and certain of its subsidiaries. This agreement, together with Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws, sets forth the basic rules under which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates.

The shareholders agreement contemplates that Coca-Cola FEMSA will be managed in accordance with one-year and five-year business plans, although in practice, it is now managed according to a three-year plan.

Under Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws, its Series A Shares and Series D Shares are the only shares with full voting rights and, therefore, control actions by its shareholders and board of directors. The holders of Series A Shares and Series D Shares have the power to determine the outcome of all actions requiring approval by its board

 

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of directors and, except in certain limited situations, all actions requiring approval of the shareholders. For actions by its board of directors, a supermajority including the directors appointed by the holders of Series D Shares is required.

The shareholders agreement sets forth the principal shareholders’ understanding as to the effect of adverse actions of The Coca-Cola Company under the bottler agreements. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws provide that a majority of the directors appointed by the holders of Series A Shares, upon making a reasonable, good faith determination that any action of The Coca-Cola Company under any bottler agreement between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola FEMSA or any of its subsidiaries is materially adverse to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business interests and that The Coca-Cola Company has failed to cure such action within 60 days of notice, may declare a simple majority period at any time within 90 days after giving notice. During the simple majority period certain decisions, namely the approval of material changes in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business plans, the introduction of a new, or termination of an existing, line of business, and related party transactions outside the ordinary course of business, which would ordinarily require the presence and approval of at least two Series D directors, can be made by a simple majority vote of its entire board of directors, without requiring the presence or approval of any Series D director. A majority of the Series A directors may terminate a simple majority period but, once having done so, cannot declare another simple majority period for one year after the termination. If a simple majority period persists for one year or more, the provisions of the shareholders agreement for resolution of irreconcilable differences may be triggered, with the consequences outlined in the following paragraph.

In addition to the rights of first refusal provided for in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws regarding proposed transfers of Series A Shares or Series D Shares, the shareholders agreement contemplates three circumstances under which one principal shareholder may purchase the interest of the other in Coca-Cola FEMSA: (1) a change in control in a principal shareholder; (2) the existence of irreconcilable differences between the principal shareholders; or (3) the occurrence of certain specified defaults.

In the event that (1) one of the principal shareholders buys the other’s interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA in any of the circumstances described above or (2) the ownership of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s shares of capital stock other than the Series L Shares of the subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company or FEMSA is reduced below 20% and upon the request of the shareholder whose interest is not so reduced, the shareholders agreement requires that Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws be amended to eliminate all share transfer restrictions and all super-majority voting and quorum requirements, after which the shareholders agreement would terminate. In the event that the ownership of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s shares of capital stock other than the Series L Shares of the subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company or FEMSA is reduced below 25% (but not below 20%) and upon the request of the shareholder whose interest is not so reduced, the shareholders agreement requires that Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws be amended to eliminate all super-majority voting and quorum requirements, other than those relating to the share transfer restrictions.

The shareholders agreement also contains provisions relating to the principal shareholders’ understanding as to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s growth. It states that it is The Coca-Cola Company’s intention that Coca-Cola FEMSA will be viewed as one of a small number of its “anchor” bottlers in Latin America. In particular, the parties agree that it is desirable that Coca-Cola FEMSA expands by acquiring additional bottler territories in Mexico and other Latin American countries in the event any become available through horizontal growth. In addition, The Coca-Cola Company has agreed, subject to a number of conditions, that if it obtains ownership of a bottler territory that fits with Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operations, it will give Coca-Cola FEMSA the option to acquire such territory. The Coca-Cola Company has also agreed to support prudent and sound modifications to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital structure to support horizontal growth. The Coca-Cola Company’s agreement as to horizontal growth expires upon either the elimination of the super-majority voting requirements described above or The Coca-Cola Company’s election to terminate the agreement as a result of a default.

The Coca-Cola Memorandum

In connection with the acquisition of Panamco, Coca-Cola FEMSA established certain understandings primarily relating to operational and business issues with both The Coca-Cola Company and our company that were memorialized in writing prior to completion of the acquisition. The terms are as follows:

 

   

The current stockholder arrangements between our company and The Coca-Cola Company will continue in place. See “Shareholders Agreement.”

 

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We will continue to consolidate Coca-Cola FEMSA’s financial results.

 

   

The Coca-Cola Company and our company will continue to discuss in good faith the possibility of implementing changes to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital structure in the future.

 

   

There will be no changes in concentrate incidence pricing or marketing support by The Coca-Cola Company up to May 2004. After such time, The Coca-Cola Company has complete discretion to implement any changes with respect to these matters, but any decision in this regard will be discussed with Coca-Cola FEMSA and will take Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operating condition into consideration.

 

   

The Coca-Cola Company may require the establishment of a different long-term strategy for Brazil. If, after taking into account Coca-Cola FEMSA’s performance in Brazil, The Coca-Cola Company does not consider Coca-Cola FEMSA to be part of this long-term strategic solution for Brazil, then Coca-Cola FEMSA will sell its Brazilian franchise to The Coca-Cola Company or its designee at fair market value. Fair market value would be determined by independent investment bankers retained by each party at their own expense pursuant to specified procedures.

 

   

FEMSA, The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola FEMSA will meet to discuss the optimal Latin American territorial configuration for the Coca-Cola bottler system. During this meeting, Coca-Cola FEMSA will consider all possible combinations and any asset swap transactions that may arise from these discussions. In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA will entertain any potential combination as long as it is strategically sound and done at fair market value.

 

   

Coca-Cola FEMSA would like to keep open strategic alternatives that relate to the integration of carbonated soft drinks and beer. The Coca-Cola Company, our company and Coca-Cola FEMSA would explore these alternatives on a market-by-market basis at the appropriate time.

 

   

The Coca-Cola Company agreed to sell to a subsidiary of our company sufficient shares to permit FEMSA to beneficially own 51% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s outstanding capital stock (assuming that this subsidiary of FEMSA does not sell any shares and that there are no issuances of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s stock other than as contemplated by the acquisition). As a result of this understanding, on November 3, 2006, FEMSA acquired, through its subsidiary CIBSA, 148,000,000 of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Series D Shares from certain subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company, representing 9.4% of the total outstanding voting shares and 8.02% of the total outstanding equity of Coca-Cola FEMSA, at a price of US$ 2.888 per share for an aggregate amount of US$ 427.4 million. Pursuant to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws, the acquired shares were converted from Series D Shares to Series A Shares.

 

   

Coca-Cola FEMSA may be entering some markets where significant infrastructure investment may be required. The Coca-Cola Company and FEMSA will conduct a joint study that will outline strategies for these markets, as well as the investment levels required to execute these strategies. Subsequently, it is intended that our company and The Coca-Cola Company will reach agreement on the level of funding to be provided by each of the partners. The parties intend that this allocation of funding responsibilities would not be overly burdensome for either partner.

 

   

Coca-Cola FEMSA entered into a stand-by credit facility, on December 19, 2003 with The Coca-Cola Export Corporation, which expired in December 2006.

 

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New Cooperation Framework with the Coca-Cola Company

On September 1, 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company arrived at a comprehensive cooperation framework for a new stage of collaboration going forward. This new framework includes the main aspects of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s relationship with The Coca-Cola Company and defines the terms for the new collaborative business model. The framework is structured around three main objectives:

 

   

Sustainable growth of carbonated soft drinks and non-carbonated beverages: Together with The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola FEMSA has defined a platform to jointly pursue, organically and through acquisitions, incremental growth in the carbonated soft drink category, as well as accelerated development in the non-carbonated segment across Latin America. To this end, The Coca-Cola Company will provide a relevant portion of the funds derived from the incidence increase to marketing support of the carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks portfolio. In addition, the new framework contemplates a new, all-encompassing business model for the development of the non-carbonated segment that further aligns Coca-Cola FEMSA’s and The Coca-Cola Company’s objectives and should contribute to incremental long-term value creation at both companies.

 

   

Horizontal growth: The new framework includes The Coca-Cola Company’s endorsement of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s aspiration to continue being a leading participant in the consolidation of the Coca-Cola system in Latin America, as well as the exploration of potential opportunities in other markets where Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operating model and strong execution capabilities could be leveraged.

 

   

Long-term vision in relationship economics: Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company understand each other’s business objectives and growth plans, and the new framework provides long-term perspective on the economics of their relationship. This will allow Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company to focus on continuing to drive the business forward and generating profitable growth.

Bottler Agreements

Bottler agreements are the standard agreements that The Coca-Cola Company enters into with bottlers outside the United States for the sale of concentrates for certain Coca-Cola trademark beverages. Coca-Cola FEMSA manufactures, packages, distributes and sells soft drink beverages and bottled water under a separate bottler agreement for each of its territories.

These bottler agreements provide that Coca-Cola FEMSA will purchase its entire requirement of concentrates for Coca-Cola trademark beverages from The Coca-Cola Company and other authorized suppliers at prices, terms of payment and on other terms and conditions of supply as determined from time to time by The Coca-Cola Company at its sole discretion. Concentrate prices are determined as a percentage of the weighted average retail price in local currency, net of applicable taxes. Although the price multipliers used to calculate the cost of concentrate and the currency of payment, among other terms, are set by The Coca-Cola Company at its sole discretion, Coca-Cola FEMSA sets the price of products sold to retailers at its discretion, subject to the applicability of price restraints. Coca-Cola FEMSA has the exclusive right to distribute Coca-Cola trademark beverages for sale in its territories in authorized containers of the nature prescribed by the bottler agreements and currently used by Coca-Cola FEMSA. These containers include various configurations of cans and returnable and non-returnable bottles made of glass and plastic and fountain containers.

The bottler agreements include an acknowledgment by Coca-Cola FEMSA that The Coca-Cola Company is the sole owner of the trademarks that identify the Coca-Cola trademark beverages and of the secret formulas with which The Coca-Cola Company’s concentrates are made. Subject to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s exclusive right to distribute Coca-Cola trademark beverages in its territories, The Coca-Cola Company reserves the right to import and export Coca-Cola trademark beverages to and from each of its territories. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements do not contain restrictions on The Coca-Cola Company’s ability to set the price of concentrates charged to its subsidiaries and do not impose minimum marketing obligations on The Coca-Cola Company. The prices at which Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases concentrates under the bottler agreements may vary materially from the prices it has historically paid. However, under Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bylaws and the shareholders agreement among The Coca-Cola Company and certain of its subsidiaries and certain subsidiaries of our company, an adverse action by The Coca-Cola Company under any of the bottler agreements may result in a suspension of certain veto rights of the directors appointed by The Coca-Cola Company. This provides us with limited protection against The Coca-Cola Company’s ability to raise concentrate prices to the extent that such increase is deemed detrimental to Coca-Cola FEMSA pursuant to the shareholder agreement and the bylaws. See “—Shareholders Agreement.”

 

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The Coca-Cola Company has the ability, at its sole discretion, to reformulate any of the Coca-Cola trademark beverages and to discontinue any of the Coca-Cola trademark beverages, subject to certain limitations, so long as all Coca-Cola trademark beverages are not discontinued. The Coca-Cola Company may also introduce new beverages in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories in which case Coca-Cola FEMSA has a right of first refusal with respect to the manufacturing, packaging, distribution and sale of such new beverages subject to the same obligations as then exist with respect to the Coca-Cola trademark beverages under the bottler agreements. The bottler agreements prohibit Coca-Cola FEMSA from producing or handling cola products other than those of The Coca-Cola Company, or other products or packages that would imitate, infringe upon, or cause confusion with the products, trade dress, containers or trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company, or from acquiring or holding an interest in a party that engages in such activities. The bottler agreements also prohibit Coca-Cola FEMSA from bottling any soft drink product except under the authority of, or with the consent of, The Coca-Cola Company. The bottler agreements impose restrictions concerning the use of certain trademarks, authorized containers, packaging and labeling of The Coca-Cola Company so as to conform to policies prescribed by The Coca-Cola Company. In particular, Coca-Cola FEMSA is obligated to:

 

   

maintain plant and equipment, staff and distribution facilities capable of manufacturing, packaging and distributing the Coca-Cola trademark beverages in authorized containers in accordance with Coca-Cola FEMSA bottler agreements and in sufficient quantities to satisfy fully the demand in its territories;

 

   

undertake adequate quality control measures prescribed by The Coca-Cola Company;

 

   

develop, stimulate and satisfy fully the demand for Coca-Cola trademark beverages using all approved means, which includes the investment in advertising and marketing plans;

 

   

maintain a sound financial capacity as may be reasonably necessary to assure performance by Coca-Cola FEMSA and its affiliates of their obligations to The Coca-Cola Company; and

 

   

submit annually to The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s marketing, management, promotional and advertising plans for the ensuing year.

The Coca-Cola Company contributed a significant portion of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total marketing expenses in its territories during 2006 and has reiterated its intention to continue providing support as part of its new cooperation framework with Coca-Cola FEMSA. Although Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that The Coca-Cola Company will continue to provide funds for advertising and marketing, it is not obligated to do so. Consequently, future levels of advertising and marketing support provided by The Coca-Cola Company may vary materially from the levels historically provided. See “—Shareholders Agreement.”

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA has separate bottler agreements with The Coca-Cola Company for each of the territories in which it operates. Some of these bottler agreements renew automatically unless one of the parties gives prior notice that it does not wish to renew the agreement, while others require an agreement between the parties or require Coca-Cola FEMSA to give notice electing to renew the agreement. The following table summarizes by segment the expiration dates and renewal provisions of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements:

 

Segment

  

Expiration Date

  

Renewal/Termination Provision

Mexico    For two territories—June 2013    10 years, renewable automatically.
   For two territories—May 2015    10 years, renewable automatically.
Central America(1)    Guatemala—June 2007    Renewable as agreed between the parties.
   Nicaragua—June 2007    Five years, requires notice at least six but not more than 12 months before expiration date.
   Costa Rica—September 2007    Five years, requires notice at least six but not more than 12 months before expiration date.
   Panamá (Coca-Cola trademark beverages)— Indefinite.    May be terminated by either party with six months’ prior written notice.
   Panamá (Other beverages)—June 2007.    Five years, requires notice at least six but no more than 12 months before expiration date.

 

Segment

  

Expiration Date

  

Renewal Provision

Colombia    June 2007    Five years, requires notice at least six but not more than 12 months before expiration date.
Venezuela    For Coca-Cola trademark beverages—August 2006(1)    Five years, requires notice at least six but not more than 12 months before expiration date.
   For other beverages—August 2006(1)    Renewable as agreed between the parties.
Brazil    December 2004(1)    Five years, requires notice at least six but not more than 12 months before expiration date.
Argentina    September 2014    10 years, renewable automatically.

(1) Coca-Cola FEMSA is in the process of negotiating renewals for these territories.

The bottler agreements are subject to termination by The Coca-Cola Company in the event of default by Coca-Cola FEMSA. The default provisions include limitations on the change in ownership or control of Coca-Cola FEMSA and the assignment or transfer of the bottler agreements and are designed to preclude any person not acceptable to The Coca-Cola Company from obtaining an assignment of a bottler agreement or from acquiring Coca-Cola FEMSA independently of similar rights set forth in the shareholders agreement. These provisions may prevent changes in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s principal shareholders, including mergers or acquisitions involving sales or dispositions of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock, which will involve an effective change of control without the consent of The Coca-Cola Company. See “—Shareholders Agreement.”

Coca-Cola FEMSA has also entered into tradename licensing agreements with The Coca-Cola Company pursuant to which Coca-Cola FEMSA is authorized to use certain trademark names of The Coca-Cola Company. These agreements have an indefinite term, but are terminated if Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ceases to manufacture, market, sell and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products pursuant to the bottler agreements or if the shareholders agreement is terminated. The Coca-Cola Company also has the right to terminate the license agreement if Coca-Cola FEMSA uses its trademark names in a manner not authorized by the bottler agreements.

Documents on Display

We file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at its public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., at 100 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Filings we make electronically with the SEC are also available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

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ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our business activities require the holding or issuing of financial instruments that expose us to market risks related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, equity risk and commodity price risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk exists principally with respect to our indebtedness that bears interest at floating rates. At December 31, 2006, we had outstanding long-term indebtedness of Ps. 36,691 million, of which 25.9% bore interest at fixed interest rates and 74.1% bore interest at variable interest rates. Swap contracts held by us effectively switch a portion of our variable rate indebtedness into fixed-rate indebtedness. After giving effect to these contracts, as of December 31, 2006, 80.4% of our long-term indebtedness was fixed rate and 19.6% of our long-term indebtedness was variable rate. The interest rate on our variable rate debt is determined by reference to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR (a benchmark rate used for Eurodollar loans), the Tasa de Interés Interbancaria de Equilibrio (Equilibrium Interbank Interest Rate) or TIIE, and the Certificados de la Tesorería (Treasury Certificates) or CETES rate. If these reference rates increase, our interest payments would consequently increase.

The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table presents notional amounts and weighted average interest rates by expected contractual maturity dates. Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contract. Weighted average variable rates are based on the reference rates on December 31, 2006, plus spreads contracted by us. The instruments’ actual payments are denominated in U.S. dollars, Mexican pesos, Brazilian reais and Colombian pesos. All of the payments in the table are presented in Mexican pesos, our reporting currency, utilizing the December 31, 2006 exchange rate of 10.8755 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar, 5.0868 Mexican pesos per Brazilian reais and 0.0049 Mexican pesos per Colombian peso.

The table below also includes the estimated fair value as of December 31, 2006 of:

 

   

long-term debt, based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, in which the discount rate is estimated using rates currently offered for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities;

 

   

long-term notes payable, based on quoted market prices; and

 

   

interest rate swaps, based on quoted market prices to terminate the contracts as of December 31, 2006.

As of December 31, 2006, the fair value represents a loss of Ps. 460 million.

 

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Principal by Year of Maturity

 

     At December 31, 2006    At December 31, 2005  
     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012 and
thereafter
    Carrying
Value
    Fair
Value
   Carrying
Value
    Fair
Value
 
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)  

Long-term debt:

                     

Fixed rate debt:

                     

U.S. dollars

   100     468     3,287     20     —       —       3,875     3,969    5,957     6,225  

Interest rate(1)

   6.9 %   7.0 %   7.2 %   3.4 %   —       —       6.9 %      7.7 %  

Mexican pesos

   50     50     640     2,200     280     2,416     5,636     5,921    7,347     7,505  

Interest rate(1)

   9.8 %   9.7 %   9.7 %   9.7 %   9.7 %   9.8 %   9.8 %      9.6 %  

Japanese yen

   —       151     —       —       —       —       151     151     

Interest rate(1)

   —       5.8 %   —       —       —       —       5.8 %       

Subtotal

   150     669     3,927     2,220     280     2,416     9,662     10,041    13,304     13,730  

Variable rate debt:

                     

U.S. dollars

   54     39     30     29     82     2,435     2,669     2,669    2,523     2,523  

Interest rate(1)

   5.7 %   5.7 %   5.7 %   5.7 %   5.7 %   5.7 %   5.7 %      4.8 %  

Mexican pesos

   2,032     5,118     1,478     2,653     3,776     9,070     24,127     24,195    19,088     19,161  

Interest rate(1)

   7.8 %   7.8 %   7.7 %   7.6 %   7.6 %   7.6 %   7.8 %      9.3 %  

Colombian pesos

   166     —       —       —       —       —       166     166    401     401  

Interest rate(1)

   9.3 %   —       —       —       —       —       9.3 %      8.7 %  

Brazilian reais

   38     28     1     —       —       —       67     67    27     27  

Interest rate(1)

   9.3 %   8.9 %   11.2 %   —       —       —       9.3 %      6.5 %   —    

Subtotal

   2,290     5,185     1,509     2,682     3,858     11,505     27,029     27,097    22,039     22,112  

Total debt

   2,440     5,854     5,436     4,902     4,138     13,921     36,691     37,138    35,343     35,842  

Derivative instruments:

                     

Cross currency and interest rate swaps

                     

U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos:

                     

Variable to fixed

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —       —      1,561     (182 )

Interest pay rate(1)

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —       —      11.1 %  

Interest receive rate(1)

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —       —      4.8 %  

Japanese yen to Brazilian reais

                     

Fixed to variable

   —       151     —       —       —       —       151     4    —       —    

Interest pay rate(1)

   —       14.0 %   —       —       —       —       14.0 %      —       —    

Interest receive rate(1)

   —       5.8 %   —       —       —       —       5.8 %      —       —    

 

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     At December 31, 2006     At December 31, 2005  
     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012 and
thereafter
    Carrying
Value
    Fair
Value
    Carrying
Value
    Fair
Value
 
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)  

Interest rate swaps:

                    

Mexican pesos:

                    

Variable to fixed

   1,981     5,075     1,460     2,634     3,771     5,070     19,991     (889 )   16,885     (514 )

Interest pay rate(1)

   9.5 %   9.7 %   9.8 %   9.7 %   9.5 %   9.3 %   9.5 %     9.8 %  

Interest receive rate(1)

   7.7 %   7.6 %   7.4 %   7.4 %   7.5 %   7.6 %   7.7 %     9.4 %  

(1) Weighted average interest rate.

A hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of one percentage point in the average interest rate applicable to variable-rate liabilities held at December 31, 2006 would increase our interest expense by approximately Ps. 72 million, or 14.0%, over the 12-month period of 2007, assuming no additional debt is incurred during such period, in each case after giving effect to all of our interest swap agreements.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Our principal exchange rate risk involves changes in the value of the local currencies, of each country in which we operated, relative to the U.S. dollar. In 2006, the percentage of our consolidated total revenues was denominated as follows:

Total Revenues by Currency At December 31, 2006

 

Country

   Currency    % of Consolidated
Total Revenues

Mexico

   Mexican peso    72.5

Brazil

   Real    9.6

Venezuela

   Bolivar    5.2

Colombia

   Colombian peso    4.5

Argentina

   Argentine peso    2.6

United States

   U.S. dollar    2.3

Costa Rica

   Colon    1.2

Guatemala

   Quetzal    0.8

Nicaragua

   Cordoba    0.7

Panama

   U.S. dollar    0.6

We estimate that a majority of our consolidated costs and expenses are denominated in Mexican pesos for Mexican subsidiaries and in the aforementioned currencies for the foreign subsidiaries, which are all subsidiaries of Coca-Cola FEMSA. Substantially all of our costs and expenses denominated in a foreign currency, other than the functional currency of each country in which we operate, are denominated in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2006, 81.1% of our long-term indebtedness was denominated in Mexican pesos, 17.8% was denominated in U.S. dollars, 0.6% was denominated in Brazilian reais and the remaining 0.5% in Colombian pesos. We also have short-term indebtedness which consists of revolving bank loans. Decreases in the value of the different currencies relative to the U.S. dollar will increase the cost of our foreign currency denominated operating costs and expenses, and the debt service obligations with respect to our foreign currency denominated indebtedness. A depreciation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar will also result in foreign exchange losses as the Mexican peso value of our foreign currency denominated long-term indebtedness is increased.

 

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Our exposure to market risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates relates primarily to U.S. dollar-denominated debt obligations as shown in the interest risk table above. We occasionally utilize financial derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to the U.S. dollar relative to the Mexican peso and other currencies.

As of December 31, 2006, we did not have any forward agreements that meet the hedging criteria for accounting purposes, to hedge our operations denominated in U.S. dollars. During 2005, we had forward agreements for the purchase of U.S. dollars that meet hedging accounting criteria, in a notional amount of US$250 million, to hedge the foreign exchange rate risk related to our acquisition of a 30% interest in FEMSA Cerveza. These contracts were paid during 2005, and we recognized a foreign exchange loss of Ps. 162 million.

Additionally, as of December 31, 2006, we had certain forward contracts that did not meet the hedging criteria for accounting purposes; consequently, changes in the fair value of Ps. 22 million were recorded in the income statement. These contracts, which have a notional amount of Ps. 1,144 million, mature in June and August 2007. The fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts is estimated based on the quoted market price of each agreement at year-end assuming the same maturity dates originally contracted.

As of December 31, 2006, we had forward agreements to buy euros to hedge the exchange risk between the U.S. dollar and the euro for the purchase of equipment. These contracts with a notional amount of €2 million, mature in 2007 and represented a loss of Ps. 2 million, Ps. 9 million and Ps. 18 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

As of December 31, 2006, we did not have any call option agreements to buy U.S. dollars. We contracted cross currency swaps to manage the interest rate and foreign exchange risks associated with our borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies. The aggregate notional amounts are Ps. 102 million with maturity dates in 2007. The fair value is estimated based on quoted market exchange rates and interest rates to terminate the contracts at December 31, 2006, with a fair value liability of Ps. 18 million. The net effect of expired contracts is included in interest expense and amounted to Ps. 70 million.

As of December 31, 2006, certain cross currency swap instruments do not meet the hedging criteria for accounting purposes; consequently changes in the estimated fair value were recorded in the income statement. These contracts with a notional amount of Ps. 2,843 million mature in December 2011 with a fair value liability of Ps. 47 million.

 

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     Forward Agreements  
     At December 31, 2006     At December 31, 2005  
    

Notional

Amount

   Fair Value    

Notional

Amount

   Fair Value  
    

(in millions of U.S. dollars and millions of

constant ¨ Mexican pesos)

 

Euro forwards:

          

To cover Mexican peso risk

   2    Ps.2       

Weighted average foreign exchange rate Mexican peso per Euro:

          

Contracted

     13.0470    —         

Quoted market

     14.3303    —         

Cross currency and interest rate swap:

          

To cover Japanese yen risk

   ¥ 4,267    Ps. (18)     

Weighted average foreign exchange rate Brazilian reais per Japanese yen:

          

Contracted

     0.0185    —         —      —    

Quoted market

     0.0181    —         —      —    

To cover U.S. dollar risk

        $ 140    Ps. (175)

Weighted average foreign exchange rate Mexican peso per U.S. dollar:

          

Contracted

     —      —         11.0049    —    

Quoted market

     —      —         10.7109    —    

As of December 31, 2006, we had determined that our leasing contracts denominated in U.S. dollars host an embedded derivative financial instrument. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the fair value of these contracts represented Ps. 67 million and Ps. 124 million, respectively, which are recorded in the income statement as market value loss on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments.

A hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable 10% devaluation in the value of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar occurring on December 31, 2006, would have resulted in an increase in our net consolidated integral result of financing expense of approximately Ps. 585 million over the 12-month period of 2007, reflecting higher interest expense and foreign exchange gain generated by the cash balances held in U.S. dollars as of that date, net of the loss based on our U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness at December 31, 2006. However, this result does not take into account any gain on monetary position that would be expected to result from an increase in the inflation rate generated by a devaluation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar, which gain on monetary position would reduce the consolidated net integral cost of financing.

As of March 31, 2007, the exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar of all the countries in which we operate as well as their devaluation/revaluation effect compared to December 31, 2006, are as follows:

 

Country

   Currency   

Exchange Rate

at March 31, 2007

  

(Devaluation) /

Revaluation

 

Mexico

   Mexican peso    11.0507    (1.6 )%

Brazil

   Real    2.0504    4.1 %

Venezuela

   Bolivar    2,150.0000    —    

Colombia

   Colombian peso    2,190.3000    2.2 %

Argentina

   Argentine peso    3.1000    (1.2 )%

Costa Rica

   Colon    520.6900    (0.1 )%

Guatemala

   Quetzal    7.6924    (1.3 )%

Nicaragua

   Cordoba    18.2207    (1.2 )%

Panama

   U.S. dollar    1.0000    —    

 

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A hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable 10% devaluation in the value of the currencies of all the countries in which we operate, relative to the U.S. dollar occurring on December 31, 2006, would produce a reduction in stockholders’ equity as follows:

 

Country

   Currency   

Reduction in

Stockholders’ Equity

          (in millions of Mexican pesos)

Mexico

   Mexican peso    2,049

Argentina

   Argentine peso    58

Brazil

   Real    428

Venezuela

   Bolivar    201

Colombia

   Colombian peso    686

Costa Rica

   Colon    181

Guatemala

   Quetzal    57

Nicaragua

   Cordoba    78

Panama

   U.S. dollar    —  

Equity Risk

During 2002, one of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s subsidiaries entered into an equity forward sale contract, with a notional amount of approximately Ps. 221 million. This contract expired in 2004 and Coca-Cola FEMSA recorded a loss on this instrument of Ps. 81 million, which resulted from the difference between the strike price of the forward contract and the market value of the shares.

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, we did not have any equity forward agreements.

Commodity Price Risk

We entered into various derivative contracts to hedge the cost of certain raw materials. The result of our commodity price contracts was a loss of Ps. 104 million and a loss of Ps. 2 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which were recorded in the results of operations of the year. The fair value is estimated based on the quoted market prices to terminate the contracts at the reporting date. As of December 31, 2006, we had various derivative instruments contracts with maturity dates in 2008 and 2010, notional amounts of Ps. 1,029 million and a fair value loss of Ps. 75 million.

ITEMS 12-14. NOT APPLICABLE

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have evaluated, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2006. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and

 

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procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

We have excluded from our assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Cevejarias Kaiser Brasil, S.A., which was acquired on January 13, 2006. Kaiser constitutes 3% of total assets, total revenues and net income of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006.

Our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 has been audited by Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C., a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included herein.

(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF

FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A.B. DE C.V.

Monterrey, N.L., Mexico

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (formerly Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial

 

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Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Cevejarias Kaiser Brasil, S.A. (“Kaiser”), which was acquired on January 13, 2006. Kaiser constitutes 3% of total assets, total revenues and net income of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at Kaiser.

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 of the Company, and our report dated June 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and includes explanatory paragraphs regarding (1) the nature and effect of differences between Mexican Financial Reporting Standards and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (2) the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) and (3)

 

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that our audit also comprehended the translation of Mexican peso amounts into U.S. dollar amounts in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2 to such consolidated financial statements.

Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

C.P.C. Gabriel González Martínez

Monterrey, N.L., Mexico

June 26, 2007

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During 2006, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Our shareholders and our board of directors have designated José Manuel Canal Hernando, an independent director as required by the Mexican Securities Market Law and applicable New York Stock Exchange listing standards, as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of this Item 16A. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors.”

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a code of ethics, within the meaning of this Item 16B of Form 20-F. Our code of ethics applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer and persons performing similar functions as well as to our directors and other officers and employees. Our code of ethics is available on our website at www.femsa.com/ethics.asp. If we amend the provisions of our code of ethics that apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer and persons performing similar functions, or if we grant any waiver of such provisions, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our web site at the same address.

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table summarizes the aggregate fees billed to us by Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C., Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and its affiliates as principal auditors, which we collectively refer to as Deloitte, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Year ended December 31,
     2006    2005
     (in millions of Mexican pesos)

Audit fees

   Ps. 101    Ps. 64

Audit-related fees

     15      8

Tax fees

     5      6

Other fees

     6      —  
             

Total

   Ps. 127    Ps. 78
             

Audit fees. Audit fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements, the review of our quarterly financial statements, statutory and regulatory audits and compliance by FEMSA with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Audit-related fees. Audit-related fees in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2006 are the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for financial accounting and reporting-related matters relating to the review of the prospectus for the equity offering.

Tax fees. Tax fees in the above table are fees billed by Deloitte for services based upon existing facts and prior transactions in order to document, compute, and obtain government approval for amounts included in tax filings such as value-added tax return assistance, transfer pricing documentation and requests for technical advice from taxing authorities.

 

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Other fees. Other fees in the above table are consulting related fees. As a percentage of the total fees billed to us, other fees represents 5% for 2006.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

We have adopted pre-approval policies and procedures under which all audit and non-audit services provided by our external auditors must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee as set forth in the Audit Committee’s charter. Any service proposals submitted by external auditors need to be discussed and approved by the Audit Committee during its meetings, which take place at least four times a year. Once the proposed service is approved, we or our subsidiaries formalize the engagement of services. The approval of any audit and non-audit services to be provided by our external auditors is specified in the minutes of our Audit Committee. In addition, the members of our board of directors are briefed on matters discussed by the different committees of our board.

ITEM 16D. NOT APPLICABLE

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

We did not purchase any of our equity securities in 2006. The following table presents purchases by trusts that we administer in connection with our stock incentive plans, which purchases may be deemed to be purchases by an affiliated purchaser of us. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Stock Incentive Plan” and “––EVA Stock Incentive Plan.”

 

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Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Purchase Date

   Total
Number of
BD Units
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per BD
Units
   Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   Maximum Number (or
Appropriate U.S. Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

March 23, 2006

   687,610    Ps.95.42      
                   

March 1, 2007

   1,067,380    Ps.123.50      
                   

I TEM 17. NOT APPLICABLE

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See pages F-1 through F-54, incorporated herein by reference.

 

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ITEM 19 EXHIBITS

 

1.1    Amended and Restated Bylaws (Estatutos Sociales) of FEMSA, dated December 7, 2006.
2.1    Deposit Agreement, as further amended and restated, among FEMSA, The Bank of New York, and all owners and holders from time to time of any American Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to FEMSA’s registration statement on Form F-6 filed on April 30, 2007 (File No. 333- 142469)).
2.2    Specimen certificate representing a BD Unit, consisting of one Series B Share, two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares, together with an English translation (incorporated by reference to FEMSA’s registration statement on Form F-4 filed on April 9, 1998 (File No. 333-8618)).
2.3    Indenture, dated July 11, 1997, by and between Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V. and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Panamco’s Registration Statement on Form F-4, (File No. 333-7918)).
2.4    First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 15, 2003, between Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., as Issuer, Coca-Cola FEMSA, as Guarantor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-2260)).
2.5    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated November 19, 2003, between Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., as Issuer, Coca-Cola FEMSA, as Guarantor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-2260)).
2.6    Credit Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2004, among FEMSA Comercio, as borrower, Cadena Comercial Oxxo, S.A. de C.V., Impulsora de Mercados de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Oxxo Express, S.A. de C.V., as guarantors, the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, BBVA Bancomer, S.A., as administrative agent, and BBVA Securities Inc, as mandated lead arranger (incorporated by reference to FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 8, 2005 (File No. 333-08752)).
3.1    Amended Voting Trust Agreement among certain principal shareholders of FEMSA together with an English translation (incorporated by reference to FEMSA’s Schedule 13D as amended filed on August 11, 2005 (File No. 005-54705)).
4.1    Amended and Restated Shareholder’s Agreement, dated July 6, 2002, among CIBSA, Emprex, The Coca-Cola Company and Inmex (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s annual report on Form 20-F filed on June 27, 2003 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.2    Amendment, dated May 6, 2003, to Shareholders’ Agreement as amended and restated on July 6, 2002, among CIBSA, Emprex, The Coca-Cola Company, Inmex, Atlantic Industries, Dulux CBAI 2003 B.V. and Dulux CBEXINMX 2003 B.V. (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s annual report on Form 20-F filed on June 27, 2003 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.3    Amended and Restated Bottler Agreement, dated June 21, 2003, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in the valley of Mexico (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).

 

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4.4    Supplemental Agreement, dated June 21, 1993, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in the valley of Mexico (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on August 13, 1993 (File No. 333-67380)).
4.5    Amended and Restated Bottler Agreement, dated June 21, 2003, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in the southeast of Mexico (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.6    Bottler Agreement, dated August 22, 1994, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in Argentina (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.7    Supplemental Agreement, dated August 22, 1994, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in Argentina (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.8    Amendments, dated May 17 and July 20, 1995, to Bottler Agreement and Letter of Agreement, dated August 22, 1994, each with respect to operations in Argentina between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 28, 1996 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.9    Bottler Agreement, dated December 1, 1995, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in SIRSA (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 28, 1996 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.10    Supplemental Agreement, dated December 1, 1995, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in SIRSA (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 28, 1996 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.11    Amendment, dated February 1, 1996, to Bottler Agreement between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in SIRSA, dated December 1, 1995 (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 28, 1996 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.12    Supplemental Agreement, dated June 21, 1993, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in the southeast of Mexico (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on August 13, 1993 (File No. 333-67380)).
4.13    Amendment, dated May 22, 1998, to Bottler Agreement with respect to the former SIRSA territory, dated December 1, 1995, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 20, 2001 (File No. 1-12260)).

 

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4.14    Bottler Agreement and Letter Agreement, each dated March 18, 2000, between The Coca-Cola Company and Embotelladora Central, S.A. with respect to operations in Guatemala (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.15    Bottler Agreement and Letter Agreement, each dated May 13, 2001, between The Coca-Cola Company and Panamco de Nicaragua, S.A. with respect to operations in Nicaragua (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.16    Letter of Renewal, dated January 1, 2007, between The Coca-Cola Company and Industria Nacional de Refrescos, S.A., with respect to operations in Nicaragua (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 25, 2007 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.17    Bottler Agreement, dated August 1, 1947, between The Coca-Cola Company and The Panama Coca-Cola Bottling Company, with respect to operations in Panama (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 25, 2007 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.18    Bottler Agreement, dated November 1, 1994 between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola de Panamá, Compañía Embotelladora, S.A, with respect to operations in Panama (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 25, 2007 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.19    Bottler Agreement and Letter Agreement, each dated October 1, 2002, between The Coca-Cola Company and Embotelladora Panamco Tica, S.A. with respect to operations in Costa Rica (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.20    Bottler Agreement, dated July 1, 1999, between The Coca-Cola Company and Panamco-Colombia, S.A., with respect to operations in Colombia (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.21    Bottler Agreement, dated August 16, 1996, and Letter of Renewal, dated February 9, 2001, between The Coca-Cola Company and Embotelladora Coca-Cola y Hit de Venezuela, S.A. with respect to operations in Venezuela (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.22    Bottler Agreement, dated August 16, 1996, and Letter of Renewal, dated February 9, 2001, between Advantage Investments, Inc. and Embotelladora Coca-Cola y Hit de Venezuela, S.A. with respect to operations in Venezuela (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.23    Supply Agreement, dated June 21, 1993, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Empaques (incorporated by reference to FEMSA’s registration statement on Form F-4 filed on April 9, 1998 (File No. 333-8618)).

 

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4.24    Bottler Agreement and Side Letter dated June 1, 2005, between Panamco Golfo, S.A. de C.V. and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in Golfo, Mexico (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 18, 2006 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.25    Bottler Agreement and Side Letter dated June 1,2005, between Panamco Baijo, S.A. de C.V., and the Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in Baijo, Mexico (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 18, 2006 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.26    Letter of Renewal, dated January 1, 2007, between The Coca-Cola Company and Embotelladora Central, S.A, with respect to operations in Guatemala (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 25, 2007 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.27    Letter of Renewal, dated January 1, 2007, between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola FEMSA de Panamá, S.A. with respect to operations in Panama (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 25, 2007 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.28    Manufacturing Agreement, dated April 16, 1999, between Coca-Cola Industrias Ltda., SPAL—Industria Brasileira de Bebidas, S.A. and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in São Paulo, Brazil (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.29    Manufacturing Agreement, dated April 16, 1999, between Coca-Cola Industrias Ltda., SPAL—Industria Brasileira de Bebidas, S.A. and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in Campinas, Brazil (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.30    Manufacturing Agreement, dated April 16, 1999, between Coca-Cola Industrias Ltda., SPAL—Industria Brasileira de Bebidas, S.A., and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to operations in Campo Grande, Brazil (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.31    Coca-Cola Tradename License Agreement dated June 21, 1993, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to FEMSA’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed on April 9, 1998 (File No. 333-8618)).
4.32    Amendment to the Trademark License Agreement, dated December 1, 2002, entered by and among Administracion de Marcas S.A. de C.V., as proprietor, and The Coca-Cola Export Corporation Mexico branch, as licensee (incorporated by reference to Panamco’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 1-2290)).
4.33    Trademark Sub-License Agreement, dated January 4, 2003, entered by and among Panamco Golfo S.A. de C.V., as licensor, and The Coca-Cola Company, as licensee (incorporated by reference to Panamco’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 1-2290)).
4.34    Trademark Sub-License Agreement, dated January 4, 2003, entered by and among Panamco Bajio S.A. de C.V., as licensor, and The Coca-Cola Company, as licensee (incorporated by reference to Panamco’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 1-2290)).

 

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4.35    Supply Agreement dated April 3, 1998, between ALPLA Fábrica de Plásticos, S.A. de C.V. and Industria Embotelladora de México, S.A. de C.V. (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on July 1, 2002 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.36    Services Agreement, dated November 7, 2000, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Logística, S.A. de C.V. (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 20, 2001 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.37    Promotion and Non-Compete Agreement, dated March 11, 2003, entered by and among The Coca-Cola Export Corporation Mexico branch and Panamco Bajio S.A. de C.V. (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Panamco’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 1-2290)).
4.38    Promotion and Non-Compete Agreement, dated March 11, 2003, entered by and among The Coca-Cola Export Corporation Mexico branch and Panamco Golfo S.A. de C.V. (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Panamco’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 1-2290)).
4.39    Memorandum of Understanding, dated as of March 11, 2003, by and among Panamco, as seller, and The Coca-Cola Company, as buyer (incorporated by reference to Panamco’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 1-2290)).
4.40    Letter of Renewal, dated January 1, 2007, between The Coca-Cola Company and Industria Nacional de Gaseosas S.A., with respect to operations in Colombia (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 25, 2007 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.41    Coca-Cola Tradename License Agreement dated June 21, 1993, between Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to FEMSA’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed on April 9, 1998 (File No. 333-8618)).
4.42    Supply Agreement dated April 3, 1998, between ALPLA Fábrica de Plásticos, S.A. de C.V. and Industria Embotelladora de México, S.A. de C.V. (with English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on July 1, 2002 (File No. 1-12260)).
4.43    Share Purchase Agreement, dated November 3, 2006, between Compañía Internacional de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., The Inmex Corporation and Dulux CBEXINMEX 2003 B.V.
8.1    Significant Subsidiaries.
10.1    The Coca-Cola Company Memorandum, to Steve Heyer from José Antonio Fernández, dated December 22, 2002 (incorporated by reference to FEMSA’s registration statement on Form F-3 filed on September 20, 2004 (File No. 333-117795)).
12.1    CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated June 28, 2006.
12.2    CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated June 28, 2006.
13.1    Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated June 28, 2006.

 

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SIGNATURE

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

Date: June 28, 2007

 

Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.
By:   /S/    JAVIER ASTABURUAGA SANJINES
Name:   Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines
Title:   Executive Vice-President of Finance and Strategic Development

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of independent registered public accounting firm of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V and subsidiaries.

   F-2

Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

   F-3

Consolidated income statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

   F-4

Consolidated statements of changes in financial position for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

   F-5

Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

   F-6

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

   F-7

Report of independent registered public accounting firm of FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries

   F-55

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (formerly Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and changes in financial position for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, all expressed in millions of Mexican pesos of purchasing power as of December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries (a consolidated subsidiary), which statements reflect total assets constituting 8% and 7%, respectively, of consolidated total assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and total revenues constituting 28%, 27% and 24%, respectively, of consolidated total revenues for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other auditors, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations, changes in their stockholders’ equity and changes in their financial position for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with Mexican financial reporting standards.

Mexican financial reporting standards vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of net income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, and the determination of stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, to the extent summarized in Note 28.

As disclosed in Note 27 K) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”, effective December 31, 2006.

Our audits also comprehended the translation of the Mexican peso amounts into U.S. dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2. The translation of the financial statement amounts into U.S. dollars and the translation of the financial statements into English have been made solely for the convenience of readers in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated June 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

 

LOGO

C.P.C. Gabriel González Martínez

Monterrey, N.L., Mexico

June 26, 2007

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

Consolidated Balance Sheets

At December 31, 2006 and 2005. Amounts expressed in millions of U.S. dollars ($) and in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of December 31, 2006.

 

     2006     2005  

ASSETS

      
Current Assets:       

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 735     Ps. 7,936     Ps. 8,558  

Accounts receivable

     646       6,974       5,519  

Inventories

     753       8,129       7,090  

Recoverable taxes

     111       1,204       952  

Other current assets

     108       1,166       983  
                        

Total current assets

     2,353       25,409       23,102  
                        

Investments in shares

     71       768       800  

Property, plant and equipment

     4,573       49,390       45,582  

Intangible assets

     5,170       55,833       50,990  

Other assets

     876       9,452       7,902  

Bottles and cases

     260       2,811       2,546  

Deferred income tax asset

     160       1,727       1,390  
                        
TOTAL ASSETS    $ 13,463     Ps. 145,390     Ps. 132,312  
                        
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY       
Current Liabilities:       

Bank loans

   $ 323     Ps. 3,490     Ps. 762  

Interest payable

     39       426       418  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     226       2,440       4,401  

Suppliers

     1,063       11,475       9,505  

Taxes payable

     231       2,495       2,088  

Accounts payable

     326       3,510       2,610  

Other current liabilities

     138       1,501       1,176  
                        
Total current liabilities      2,346       25,337       20,960  
                        

Long-Term Liabilities:

      

Bank loans and notes payable

     3,172       34,251       30,942  

Deferred income tax liability

     355       3,834       3,533  

Labor liabilities

     288       3,115       2,556  

Contingencies and other liabilities

     428       4,625       3,832  
                        

Total long-term liabilities

     4,243       45,825       40,863  
                        

Total liabilities

     6,589       71,162       61,823  
                        
Stockholders’ Equity:       

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     1,853       20,008       20,462  
                        

Majority interest:

      

Capital stock

     477       5,154       5,154  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,835       19,812       21,440  

Retained earnings from prior years

     2,869       30,988       26,239  

Net income

     613       6,622       5,766  

Cumulative other comprehensive loss

     (773 )     (8,356 )     (8,572 )
                        

Majority interest

     5,021       54,220       50,027  
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     6,874       74,228       70,489  
                        
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    $ 13,463     Ps. 145,390     Ps. 132,312  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.

Monterrey, N.L., Mexico, February 23, 2007.

 

LOGO     LOGO
José Antonio Fernández Carbajal     Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines
Chief Executive Officer     Chief Financial Officer

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

Consolidated Income Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. Amounts expressed in millions of U.S. dollars ($) and in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of December 31, 2006, except per share data.

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Net sales

   $ 11,667     Ps. 125,994     Ps. 111,051     Ps. 101,637  

Other operating revenues

     40       433       585       679  
                                

Total revenues

     11,707       126,427       111,636       102,316  

Cost of sales

     6,291       67,940       59,483       54,190  
                                

Gross profit

     5,416       58,487       52,153       48,126  
                                

Operating expenses:

        

Administrative

     778       8,400       7,466       7,245  

Selling

     3,028       32,697       28,284       25,917  
                                
     3,806       41,097       35,750       33,162  
                                

Income from operations

     1,610       17,390       16,403       14,964  
                                

Integral result of financing:

        

Interest expense

     (374 )     (4,040 )     (4,520 )     (4,076 )

Interest income

     65       707       684       613  

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     (20 )     (217 )     308       (23 )

Gain on monetary position

     129       1,395       1,169       2,112  

Market value loss on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments

     (10 )     (109 )     (160 )     —    
                                
     (210 )     (2,264 )     (2,519 )     (1,374 )

Other expenses, net

     (104 )     (1,125 )     (452 )     (856 )
                                

Income before taxes and employee profit sharing

     1,296       14,001       13,432       12,734  

Taxes and employee profit sharing

     445       4,806       4,866       2,649  
                                

Consolidated net income

   $ 851     Ps. 9,195     Ps. 8,566     Ps. 10,085  
                                

Net majority income

     613       6,622       5,766       6,411  

Net minority income

     238       2,573       2,800       3,674  
                                

Consolidated net income

   $ 851     Ps. 9,195     Ps. 8,566     Ps. 10,085  
                                

Net majority income (U.S. dollars and constant Mexican pesos):

        

Per Series “B” share

   $ 0.09     Ps. 0.99     Ps. 0.90     Ps. 1.08  

Per Series “D” share

     0.12       1.24       1.13       1.35  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated income statements.

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. Amounts expressed in millions of U.S. dollars ($) and in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of December 31, 2006.

 

     2006     2005     2004  
Resources Generated by (Used in) Operating Activities:         

Consolidated net income

   $ 851     Ps. 9,195     Ps. 8,566     Ps. 10,085  

Depreciation

     426       4,599       4,382       4,125  

Amortization and other non-cash charges

     280       3,021       2,675       2,724  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     19       200       81       509  

Deferred income tax

     1       18       (142 )     (1,054 )
                                
     1,577       17,033       15,562       16,389  

Working capital:

        

Accounts receivable

     (41 )     (442 )     (489 )     (118 )

Inventories

     (97 )     (1,047 )     (364 )     (1,359 )

Recoverable taxes, net

     (47 )     (505 )     (598 )     1,002  

Other current assets

     (13 )     (141 )     (84 )     120  

Suppliers and other current liabilities

     139       1,503       694       927  

Interest payable

     1       8       (6 )     (35 )

Labor liabilities

     (25 )     (270 )     (378 )     (272 )
                                

Net resources generated by operating activities

     1,494       16,139       14,337       16,654  
                                
Resources Generated by (Used in) Investing Activities:         

Acquisition of Coca-Cola FEMSA minority interest

     (428 )     (4,627 )     —         —    

Acquisitions by FEMSA Cerveza

     (168 )     (1,816 )     —         —    

Property, plant and equipment

     (456 )     (4,924 )     (3,364 )     (3,304 )

Other assets

     (276 )     (2,972 )     (2,585 )     (3,257 )

Bottles and cases

     (60 )     (648 )     (515 )     (408 )

Intangible assets

     (28 )     (301 )     (407 )     (539 )

Other business acquisitions

     (15 )     (159 )     —         —    

Investments in shares

     4       46       18       184  

Acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza minority interest

     —         —         —         (15,860 )
                                

Net resources used in investing activities

     (1,427 )     (15,401 )     (6,853 )     (23,184 )
                                
Resources Generated by (Used in) Financing Activities:         

Bank loans obtained

     838       9,063       1,986       26,118  

Bank loans paid

     (420 )     (4,536 )     (14,013 )     (18,889 )

Amortization in real terms of long-term liabilities

     (108 )     (1,169 )     (1,332 )     (2,021 )

Dividends declared and paid

     (130 )     (1,406 )     (1,063 )     (907 )

Contingencies and other financing liabilities

     (293 )     (3,167 )     (13 )     277  

Cumulative translation adjustment

     (18 )     (197 )     (177 )     (144 )

Issuance of capital stock

     —         —         8,155       —    

Capital contribution by Coca-Cola FEMSA’s minority interest

     —         —         —         634  
                                

Net resources generated by (used in) financing activities

     (131 )     (1,412 )     (6,457 )     5,068  
                                

Cash and cash equivalents:

        

Net increase (decrease)

     (64 )     (674 )     1,027       (1,462 )

Cash received in acquisition of Kaiser

     5       52       —         —    

Initial balance

     794       8,558       7,531       8,993  
                                

Ending balance

   $ 735     Ps. 7,936     Ps. 8,558     Ps. 7,531  
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements of changes in financial position.

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

Amounts expressed in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of December 31, 2006.

 

     Capital
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
from
Prior
Years
    Net
Income
    Cumulative
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Majority
Interest
    Minority
Interest in
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balances at December 31, 2003

   Ps. 4,799    Ps. 13,640     Ps. 17,495     Ps. 3,631     Ps. (6,640 )   Ps. 32,925     Ps. 20,199     Ps. 53,124  
                                                               

Transfer of prior year net income

          3,631       (3,631 )           —    

Dividends declared and paid

          (594 )         (594 )     (313 )     (907 )

Capital contribution by Coca-Cola FEMSA’s minority interest

                  634       634  

Acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza minority interest

                  (6,383 )     (6,383 )

Comprehensive income

            6,411       (420 )     5,991       4,184       10,175  
                                                               

Balances at December 31, 2004

     4,799      13,640       20,532       6,411       (7,060 )     38,322       18,321       56,643  
                                                               

Transfer of prior year net income

          6,411       (6,411 )           —    

Dividend declared and paid

          (704 )         (704 )     (359 )     (1,063 )

Issuance of capital stock

     355      7,800             8,155         8,155  

Comprehensive income

            5,766       (1,512 )     4,254       2,500       6,754  
                                                               

Balances at December 31, 2005

     5,154      21,440       26,239       5,766       (8,572 )     50,027       20,462       70,489  
                                                               

Transfer of prior year net income

          5,766       (5,766 )           —    

Dividends declared and paid

          (1,017 )         (1,017 )     (389 )     (1,406 )

Kaiser’s minority interest

                  368       368  

Acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza minority interest

        (77 )           (77 )     (92 )     (169 )

Acquisition of Coca-Cola FEMSA minority interest

        (1,551 )           (1,551 )     (3,076 )     (4,627 )

Comprehensive income

            6,622       216       6,838       2,735       9,573  
                                                               

Balances at December 31, 2006

   Ps. 5,154    Ps. 19,812     Ps. 30,988     Ps. 6,622     Ps. (8,356 )   Ps. 54,220     Ps. 20,008     Ps. 74,228  
                                                               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. Amounts expressed in millions of U.S. dollars ($) and in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of December 31, 2006.

Note 1. Activities of the Company.

Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (“FEMSA”) is a Mexican holding company. On December 7, 2006, FEMSA changed its name as approved at a general extraordinary stockholders’ meeting from Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. to Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. due to a requirement of the Mexican Securities Law Issued on June 28, 2006. This new law requires every company that is listed on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, S.A. de C.V. (“BMV” Mexican Stock Exchange) to include “bursátil” (publicly traded) in their legal name or use the letter “B” after S.A.

The principal activities of FEMSA and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), as an economic unit, are carried out by operating subsidiaries and grouped under direct and indirect holding company subsidiaries (the “Subholding Companies”) of FEMSA. The following is a description of such activities, together with the ownership interest in each Subholding Company:

 

Subholding Company

  

% Ownership

  

Activities

Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries

(“Coca-Cola FEMSA”)

  

53.7%

(63.0% of the voting shares)

   Production, distribution and marketing of certain Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owns 31.6% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock. In addition, shares representing 14.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock are listed on BMV and The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE”).

FEMSA Cerveza, S.A. de C.V.

and Subsidiaries

(“FEMSA Cerveza”)

   100%   

Production, distribution and marketing of beer through its principal operating subsidiary, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V., which operates six breweries throughout Mexico and produces and distributes 18 different brands of beer, of which the five most important are: Tecate, Sol, Carta Blanca, Superior and Indio.

Since January 2006, FEMSA Cerveza produces, distributes and markets beer in Brazil through Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil, S.A. (“Kaiser”) which operates 8 breweries in this country. Kaiser produces 13 different brands of which the most important are Kaiser Pilsen, Bavaria Pilsen and Sol (see Note 6).

FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V. and Subsidiaries

(“FEMSA Comercio”)

   100%    Operation of a chain of convenience stores in Mexico under the trade name “Oxxo.”
Other Companies    100%    Companies engaged in the production and distribution of labels, plastic cases, coolers and commercial refrigeration equipment; as well as, transportation logistic and maintenance services to FEMSA’s subsidiaries and to third parties.

 

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Note 2. Basis of Presentation.

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of FEMSA and those companies in which it directly or indirectly owns a majority of the outstanding voting capital stock and/or exercises control. All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in such consolidation.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with “Normas de Información Financiera” (Mexican Financial Reporting Standards or “Mexican FRS”), which differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), as further explained in Note 27. A reconciliation from Mexican FRS to U.S. GAAP is included in Note 28.

As of May 31, 2004, the Mexican Institute of Public Accountants (“IMCP”) formally transferred the function of establishing and issuing financial reporting standards to the Mexican Board for Research and Development of Financial Reporting Standards (“CINIF”), consistent with the international trend requiring this function be performed by an independent entity. Accordingly, the task of establishing generally accepted accounting principles in Mexico, which included bulletins and circulars issued by the IMCP was transferred to CINIF.

The consolidated financial statements are stated in millions of Mexican pesos (“Ps.”). The translation of Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars (“$”) are included solely for the convenience of the reader, using the noon buying rate exchange rate published by Bank of New York of 10.7995 pesos per U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2006.

The results of the operations acquired by FEMSA are included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. During 2006, FEMSA Cerveza acquired some businesses and FEMSA acquired 8.02% of Coca-Cola FEMSA; as a result, the consolidated financial statements are not comparable to the figures presented in prior years (see Note 5 and 6).

On February 23, 2007, the Board of Directors of FEMSA, unanimously approved the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Note 3. Foreign Subsidiary Incorporation.

The accounting records of foreign subsidiaries are maintained in local currency and in accordance with local accounting principles of each country. For incorporation into the FEMSA consolidated financial statements, each foreign subsidiary’s individual financial statements are adjusted to Mexican FRS and restated to the purchasing power of the local currency applying inflation factors of the country of origin and are subsequently translated into Mexican pesos using the year-end exchange rate.

The variation in the net investment in foreign subsidiaries generated by exchange rate fluctuations is included in the cumulative translation adjustment and is recorded directly in stockholders’ equity as part of other comprehensive income.

The accounting treatment for the integral result of financing when the Company designates a net investment in an acquired foreign subsidiary as an economic hedge to finance its acquisition is as follows:

 

 

The foreign exchange gain or loss is recorded as part of the cumulative translation adjustment to the extent the net investment in the foreign subsidiary covers the debt, net of taxes. The foreign exchange gain or loss associated with any unhedged portion of such debt is recorded in the integral result of financing; and

 

 

The monetary position result is computed using the inflation factors of the country in which the acquired subsidiary is located to the extent the net investment in that subsidiary covers the debt outstanding and is recorded as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. The monetary position result corresponding to the unhedged portion of such debt is calculated using the inflation factors of the country of the company that enters into the financing, and the effect is recorded in the integral result of financing.

As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the Company has not designated any investment in a foreign subsidiary as an economic hedge.

The monetary position result and exchange gain or loss generated by foreign subsidiaries associated with the financing of intercompany foreign currency denominated balances recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment in stockholders’ equity as part of cumulative other comprehensive income are considered to be long-term investments since settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future.

 

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Note 4. Significant Accounting Policies.

The Company’s accounting policies are in accordance with Mexican FRS, which require that the Company’s management makes certain estimates and uses certain assumptions to determine the valuation of various items included in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management believes that the estimates and assumptions used were appropriated as of the date of these consolidated financial statements.

The significant accounting policies are as follows:

 

a) Recognition of the Effects of Inflation:

The recognition of the effects of inflation in the financial information consists of:

 

   

Restating non-monetary assets such as inventories and fixed assets, including related costs and expenses when such assets are consumed or depreciated;

 

   

Restating capital stock, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings by the amount necessary to maintain the purchasing power equivalent in Mexican pesos on the dates such capital was contributed or income generated, through the use of the appropriate inflation factors;

 

   

Including in stockholders’ equity the cumulative effect of holding non-monetary assets, which is the net difference between changes in the replacement cost of non-monetary assets and adjustments based upon the inflation factors; and

 

   

Including in the cost of financing the purchasing power gain or loss from holding monetary items.

The Company restates its consolidated financial statements in currency of constant purchasing power by applying inflation factors of the country of origin and the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

b) Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Cash consists of non-interest bearing bank deposits. Cash equivalents consist principally of short-term bank deposits and fixed-rate investments with brokerage houses valued at the quoted market prices with original maturities of three months or less. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005 cash equivalents amounted to Ps. 4,802 and Ps. 4,797, respectively.

 

c) Inventories and Cost of Sales:

The value of inventories is adjusted to replacement cost, without exceeding market value. Advances to suppliers to purchase raw materials are included in the inventory account and are restated by applying inflation factors, considering their average age.

Cost of sales is determined based on replacement cost at the time of sale. Cost of sales includes expenses related to raw materials used in the production process, labor (wages and other benefits), depreciation of production facilities and equipment and other costs including fuel, electricity, breakage of returnable bottles in the production process, equipment maintenance, inspection and inter and intra-plant transfer costs.

 

d) Other Current Assets:

Other current assets are comprised of payments for services that will be received over the next 12 months and the fair market value of derivative financial instruments with maturity dates of less than one year (see Note 4 q).

Prepaid expenses are recorded at historical cost and are recognized in the income statement when the services or benefits are received. Prepaid expenses principally consist of advertising, promotional, leasing and insurance expenses.

Advertising costs consist of television and radio advertising airtime paid in advance, which are generally amortized over a 12-month period based on the transmission of the television and radio spots. The related production costs are recognized in results of operations the first time the advertising is transmitted.

Promotional costs are expensed as incurred, except for those promotional costs related to the launching of new products or presentations. These costs are recorded as prepaid expenses and amortized over the period during which they are estimated to increase sales of the related products or container presentations to normal operating levels, which is generally no longer than one year.

Additionally, as of December 31, 2006, the Company has restricted cash, classified as other current assets, of Ps. 243 denominated in Venezuelan bolivars, and Ps. 7 denominated in Brazilian reais; both were pledged as collateral of accounts payable and are classified in other current assets due to their short-term nature. As of December 31, 2005, the Company had restricted cash of Ps. 84 denominated in Venezuelan bolivars.

 

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e) Bottles and Cases:

Returnable bottles and cases are recorded at acquisition cost and restated to their replacement cost. There are two types of returnable bottles and cases:

 

   

Those that are in the Company’s control in its facilities, in plant and distribution centers; and

 

   

Those that have been placed in the hands of customers.

Through December 31, 2005, FEMSA Cerveza classified returnable bottles and cases as inventories. Beginning on January 1, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza classifies returnable bottles and cases as long-lived assets in accordance with their estimated useful lives. Accounting estimates regarding returnable bottles and cases have not been modified. Returnable bottles and cases of FEMSA Cerveza as of December 31, 2005 have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and combined with those of Coca-Cola FEMSA.

For financial reporting purposes, breakage of returnable bottles and cases in plant and distribution centers is recorded as an expense as it is incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 breakage expense amounted to Ps. 684, Ps. 765 and Ps. 649 respectively. The Company estimates that breakage expense of returnable bottles and cases in plant and distribution centers is similar to the depreciation calculated on an estimated useful life of approximately five years for beer returnable bottles, four years for soft drinks returnable glass bottles and plastic cases, and 18 months for soft drink returnable plastic bottles.

Depreciation is computed for tax purposes using the straight-line method at a rate of 10% per year. As of January 1, 2005, FEMSA Cerveza, as allowed by the changes to the tax law, modified its tax criteria for the deduction of bottles, from deducting all purchases to computing depreciation using the straight-line method at a rate of 10% per year. The change does not impact the tax provision, but does generate surcharges. The total amount paid in 2005 as a surcharge was Ps. 185, of which Ps. 126 was recorded in net income as of December 31, 2004.

FEMSA Cerveza’s returnable bottles and cases are subject to an agreement with a retailer pursuant to which FEMSA Cerveza retains ownership. These bottles and cases are monitored by sales personnel during their periodic visits, and if any breakage is identified, it is charged to the retailer. Bottles and cases that are not subject to such agreements are expensed when placed in the hands of retailers.

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s returnable bottles and cases in the market and for which a deposit from customers has been received are presented net of such deposits, and the difference between the cost of these assets and the deposits received is amortized according to their useful lives. The bottles and cases for which no deposit has been received, which represent most of the bottles and cases placed in the market, are expensed when placed in the hands of customers.

 

f) Investments in Shares:

Investments in shares of associated companies are initially recorded at their acquisition cost and subsequently accounted for using the equity method. Investments in affiliated companies in which the Company does not have significant influence are recorded at acquisition cost and are adjusted to market value if they have an observable market value or based upon the inflation factors of the country of origin, with such adjustments reflected in the income statement.

 

g) Property, Plant and Equipment:

Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at their cost of acquisition and/or construction. Property, plant and equipment of domestic origin are restated by applying inflation factors. Imported equipment is restated by applying inflation factors of the country of origin and then translated at the year-end exchange rate.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, based on the value of the restated assets reduced by their residual values. The Company, together with independent appraisers, estimates depreciation rates, considering the estimated remaining useful lives of the assets.

Through 2005 refrigeration equipment at Coca-Cola FEMSA was amortized on an estimated average useful life of approximately five years.

During 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA changed its accounting estimate regarding the useful life of its refrigeration equipment in Mexican territories from 5 to 7 years considering the maintenance and replacement plans of the equipment and also supported by refrigeration equipment supplier and a third party. The change in accounting estimate is accounted for prospectively as of the date the change in estimate was made. The impact of this estimated change in 2006 was a reduction of depreciation expense by Ps. 127 recognized in 2006 consolidated results.

 

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The estimated useful lives of the Company’s principal assets are as follows:

 

     Years

Buildings and construction

   40-50

Machinery and equipment

   12-20

Distribution equipment

   10-12

Refrigeration equipment

   5-7

Information technology equipment

   3-4

 

h) Other Assets:

Other assets represent payments whose benefits will be received in future years and mainly consist of the following:

 

   

Agreements with customers for the right to sell and promote the Company’s products during certain periods of time, which are considered monetary assets and amortized under two methods, in accordance with the terms of such agreements:

 

   

Actual volume method, which amortizes the proportion of the volume actually sold to the retailer over the volume target (approximately 85% of the agreements of FEMSA Cerveza are amortized on this basis); and

 

   

Straight-line method, which amortizes the asset over the life of the contract (the remaining 15% of the agreements of FEMSA Cerveza and 100% of the agreements of Coca-Cola FEMSA are amortized on this basis).

In addition, for agreements amortized based on the actual volume method, the Company periodically compares the amortization calculated based on the actual volume method against the amortization that would have resulted under the straight-line method and records a provision to the extent that the recorded amortization is less than what would have resulted under the straight-line method.

The amortization is recorded reducing net sales, which during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, amounted to Ps. 1,360, Ps. 1,248 and Ps. 1,463, respectively.

 

   

Leasehold improvements, which are restated by applying inflation factors, are amortized using the straight-line method, over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term equivalent to the lease period.

 

i) Intangible Assets:

These assets represent payments whose benefits will be received in future years. The Company separates intangible assets between those with a finite useful life and those with an indefinite useful life, in accordance with the period over which the Company expects to receive the benefits.

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized and mainly consist of:

 

   

Start-up expenses, which represent costs incurred prior to the opening of an Oxxo store, including rent, permits and licenses. Such amounts are restated applying inflation factors and are amortized on a straight-line basis in accordance with the terms of the lease contract; and

 

   

Information technology and management systems costs incurred during the development stage. Such amounts are restated applying inflation factors and are amortized using the straight-line method over four years. Expenses that do not fulfill the requirements for capitalization are expensed as incurred.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized and are subject to annual impairment test. These assets are recorded in the functional currency of the subsidiary in which the investment was made and were restated by applying inflation factors of the country of origin at the year-end exchange rate. The Company’s intangible assets with indefinite lives mainly consist of:

 

   

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products in the territories acquired. These rights are contained in agreements that are the standard contracts that The Coca-Cola Company enters into with bottlers outside the United States of America for the sale of concentrates for certain Coca-Cola trademark beverages;

 

   

Trademarks and distribution rights, recognized as a result of the acquisition of the 30% of FEMSA Cerveza (see Note 7) and payments made by FEMSA Cerveza in the acquisition of the previously granted franchise; and

 

   

Trademarks and goodwill recognized as a result of the acquisition of Kaiser (see Note 6).

 

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Goodwill represents the difference between the price paid and the fair value of the shares and/or net assets acquired that was not assigned directly to an intangible asset. Goodwill is recorded in the functional currency of the subsidiary in which the investment was made and is restated by applying inflation factors of the country of origin and the year-end exchange rate. Until December 31, 2004 goodwill was amortized using the straight-line method over a period of no more than 20 years.

 

j) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill:

The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets for impairment and determines whether impairment exists, by comparing estimated discounted future cash flows to be generated by those assets with their carrying value.

For long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, identifiable intangible assets and other assets, the Company tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable through their expected future cash flows.

For goodwill, the Company tests for impairment on an annual basis and whenever certain circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the reporting unit might exceed its implied fair value.

Impairment charges regarding long-lived assets and goodwill are recognized in other expenses.

 

k) Payments from The Coca-Cola Company:

The Coca-Cola Company participates in certain advertising and promotional programs as well as in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s refrigeration equipment investment program. The contributions received for advertising and promotional incentives are included as a reduction of selling expenses. The contributions received for the refrigeration equipment investment program are recorded as a reduction of the investment in refrigeration equipment. The contributions received were Ps. 1,164, Ps. 1,016 and Ps. 1,018 during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

l) Labor Liabilities:

Labor liabilities include obligations for pension and retirement plans, seniority premiums, postretirement medical services and beginning in 2005 severance indemnity liabilities, all based on actuarial calculations by independent actuaries, using the projected unit credit method. Beginning January 1, 2005, revised Bulletin D-3 “Labor Liabilities” establishes that severance payments resulting from situations other than a restructuring should be charged to the income statement in accordance with actuarial calculations based on the Company’s severance indemnity history of the last three to five years. Until December 31, 2004 such severance indemnities were charged to expenses on the date when a decision was taken.

Labor liabilities are considered to be non-monetary and are determined using long-term assumptions. The cost for the year of labor liabilities is charged to income from operations and unamortized prior service costs are recorded as expenses over the period during which the employees will receive the benefits of the plan.

Certain subsidiaries of the Company have established funds for the payment of pension benefits and postretirement medical services through irrevocable trusts with the employees named as beneficiaries.

Severance indemnities resulting from a restructuring program and associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement are charged to expenses on the date when a decision to retire personnel under a formal program or for specific causes is taken. These severance payments are included in other expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, these payments amounted to Ps. 162, Ps. 126 and Ps. 165, respectively.

In 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA implemented strategic restructuring programs in its commercial operations and recognized costs of Ps. 572, which are recorded in other expenses in the consolidated income statement. Such costs consist of Ps. 472 of severance payments associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement and Ps. 100 of other costs related to the restructuring programs. As of the end of 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA has paid Ps. 201 and the remaining balance is expected to be paid during 2007.

 

m) Revenue Recognition:

Revenue is recognized in accordance with stated shipping terms, as follows:

 

   

For domestic sales, upon delivery to the customer and once the customer has taken ownership of the goods (FOB destination). Domestic revenues are defined as the sales generated by the Company for sales realized in the country where the subsidiaries operate. As of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, domestic revenues represented approximately 97%, 96% and 97% of total consolidated revenues, respectively; and

 

   

For export sales, upon shipment of goods to customers (FOB shipping point), and transfer of ownership and risk of loss.

 

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Net sales reflect units delivered at list prices reduced by promotional allowances, discounts and the amortization of the agreements with customers to obtain the rights to sell and promote the products of the Company.

 

n) Operating Expenses:

Administrative expenses include labor costs (salaries and other benefits) for employees not directly involved in the sale of the Company’s products, professional service fees, depreciation of office facilities and amortization of capitalized information technology system implementation costs.

Selling expenses include:

 

   

Distribution: labor costs (salaries and other benefits), outbound freight costs, warehousing costs of finished products, breakage for returnable bottles in the distribution process, depreciation and maintenance of trucks and other distribution facilities and equipment. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, these distribution costs amounted to Ps. 9,190, Ps. 8,586 and Ps. 7,807, respectively;

 

   

Sales: labor costs (salaries and other benefits) and sales commissions paid to sales personnel; and

 

   

Marketing: labor costs (salaries and other benefits), promotions and advertising costs.

 

o) Income Tax, Tax on Assets and Employee Profit Sharing:

Income tax and employee profit sharing are charged to results as they are incurred. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences resulting from comparing the book and tax values of assets and liabilities plus any future benefits from tax loss carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by any benefits for which there is uncertainty as to their realizability. Deferred employee profit sharing is derived from temporary differences between the accounting result and income for employee profit sharing purposes and is recognized only when it can be reasonably assumed that the temporary differences will generate a liability or benefit, and there is no indication that circumstances will change in such a way that the liabilities will not be paid or benefits will not be realized.

The tax on assets paid that is expected to be recovered is recorded as a reduction of the deferred tax liability.

The balance of deferred taxes is comprised of monetary and non-monetary items, based on the temporary differences from which it is derived. Deferred taxes are classified as a long-term asset or liability, regardless of when the temporary differences are expected to reverse.

The deferred tax provision to be included in the income statement is determined by comparing the deferred tax balance at the end of the year to the balance at the beginning of the year, restated in currency of the current year, excluding from both balances any temporary differences that are recorded directly in stockholders’ equity. The deferred taxes related to such temporary differences are recorded in the same stockholders’ equity account.

FEMSA has authorization from the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público to prepare its income tax and tax on assets returns on a consolidated basis, which includes the proportional taxable income or loss of its Mexican subsidiaries. The provisions for income taxes of the foreign countries have been determined on the basis of the taxable income of each individual company. Prior to January 2005, for its Mexican subsidiaries, the proportional taxable income or loss was limited to 60% of the stockholders’ ownership. Beginning in 2005, such limitation was eliminated.

 

p) Integral Result of Financing:

The integral result of financing includes:

 

   

Interest: Interest income and expenses are recorded when earned or incurred, respectively;

 

   

Foreign Exchange Gains and Losses: Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in local currencies using the exchange rate applicable on the date they occur. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are adjusted to the year-end exchange rate, recording the resulting foreign exchange gain or loss directly in the income statement, except for any foreign exchange gain or loss from financing obtained for the acquisition of foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be an economic hedge and the foreign exchange gain or loss from the intercompany financing foreign currency denominated balances that are considered to be of a long-term investment nature (see Note 3);

 

   

Gain or Loss on Monetary Position: Represents the result of the effects of inflation on monetary items. The gain or loss on monetary position is computed by applying inflation factors of the country of origin to the net monetary position at the beginning of each month, excluding the financing contracted for the acquisition of any foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be an economic hedge and the intercompany financing foreign currency denominated balances that are considered to be of a long-term investment nature (see Note 3). The gain or loss on monetary position of foreign subsidiaries is translated into Mexican pesos using the year-end exchange rate; and

 

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Market Value Gain or Loss on Ineffective Portion of Derivative Financial Instruments: Represents the net change in the fair value of, the ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments defined as hedges for accounting purposes and the net change in the fair value of embedded derivative financial instruments.

 

q) Derivative Financial Instruments:

On January 1, 2005, Bulletin C-10, “Instrumentos Financieros Derivados y Operaciones de Cobertura” (Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities) went into effect. Accordingly, the Company values and records all derivative financial instruments and hedging activities, including certain derivative financial instruments embedded in other contracts, in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value, considering quoted prices in recognized markets. If such instruments are not traded, fair value is determined by applying techniques based upon technical models supported by sufficient, reliable and verifiable data, recognized in the financial sector. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recorded each year in net income or as a component of cumulative other comprehensive income, based on the type of hedging instrument and the ineffectiveness of the hedge.

The Company designates its financial instruments as hedging at the start of the hedging relationship, when transactions meet all hedging requirements. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion is recognized temporarily under comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity, and subsequently reclassified to current earnings at the same time it is affected by the hedged item. When derivative financial instruments do not meet all of the standards requirements for hedging purposes, the ineffective portion is immediately recognized in net income.

The Company reviews all contracts entered into to identify embedded derivatives that should be segregated from the host contract for purposes of valuation and recording. When an embedded derivative is identified and the host contract has not been stated at fair value and adequate elements for its valuation exist, the embedded derivative is segregated from the host contract, stated at fair value and classified as trading or designated as a financial instrument for hedging. Initial valuation and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives at the closing of each period are recognized in net income.

Prior to the effective date of Bulletin C-10, the Company’s derivative financial instruments entered into for hedging purposes were valued using the same valuation criteria applied to the hedged asset or liability, and their fair value were disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Additionally, derivative financial instruments entered into for purposes other than hedging were valued and recorded at fair value. The difference between the derivative financial instrument’s initial value and fair value was recorded in the income statement.

 

r) Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss:

The cumulative balances of the components of majority other comprehensive loss are as follows:

 

     2006    2005

Cumulative result of holding non-monetary assets

   Ps. (6,468)    Ps. (6,914)

Loss on cash flow hedges

   (612)    (461)

Cumulative translation adjustment

   (1,168)    (1,065)

Additional labor liability over unrecognized net transition obligation

   (108)    (132)
         
   Ps. (8,356)    Ps. (8,572)
         

 

s) Provisions:

Provisions are recognized for obligations that result from a past event that will likely result in the use of economic resources and that can be reasonably estimated. Such provisions are recorded at net present values when the effect of the discount is significant.

 

t) Issuances of Subsidiary Stock:

The Company recognizes issuances of a subsidiary’s stock as a capital transaction, in which the difference between the book value of the shares issued and the amount contributed by the minority interest holder or a third party is recorded as additional paid-in capital.

 

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Note 5. Acquisitions of Coca-Cola FEMSA Minority Interest

On November 3, 2006, FEMSA indirectly acquired 148,000,000 serie “D” shares, which represent 8.02% of the total outstanding equity of Coca-Cola FEMSA for an aggregate amount of Ps. 4,627 paid in cash. This acquisition increased FEMSA’s ownership stake in Coca-Cola FEMSA from 45.7% to 53.7% and its voting control from 53.6% to 63.0%. According to Mexican FRS this transaction occurs between shareholders and does not impact the net assets of the Company, and the payment in excess of the book value of the shares acquired is recorded in stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the amount of Ps. 1,551.

Note 6. Acquisitions by FEMSA Cerveza.

During 2006, FEMSA Cerveza made certain business acquisitions that were accounted for under the purchase method. The results of the operations acquired by FEMSA Cerveza have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition, as a result of which the 2006 consolidated income statement and balance sheet are not comparable with those of the prior year. The 2006 statement of changes in financial position presents the effects of the acquisitions and incorporation of such operations as a single line item within investing activities.

The Companies acquired by FEMSA Cerveza are:

 

a) On January 13, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza indirectly acquired a controlling stake in Kaiser from Molson Coors Brewing Co. (“Molson Coors”) for Ps. 742 paid in cash, which represented 68% of the equity of Kaiser. The acquisition was accounted under the purchase method. FEMSA Cerveza assumed Kaiser’s existing financial debt, which totaled approximately Ps. 654, and received certain indemnity provisions from Molson Coors for the potential payment of contingent liabilities and claims. Subsequent to the acquisition date, Kaiser paid Ps. 180 regarding such contingencies subject to the Molson Coors indemnifications and FEMSA Cerveza recorded a corresponding receivable for the amounts owed to them (see Note 8).

On December 18, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza, indirectly acquired Molson Coors’ remaining 14.95% stake in Kaiser and paid Ps. 169 in cash. In accordance with Mexican FRS, this purchase was accounted for as an equity transaction as it took place between Kaiser’s shareholders.

Additionally, FEMSA made an equity contribution of Ps. 2,156 on December 22, 2006 to Cervejarias Kaiser. Heineken NV, the other Kaiser shareholder, did not participate in this equity contribution and as a result its stake in Kaiser was diluted from 17.05% to 0.17%.

As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA Cerveza’s stake in Kaiser’s represents 99.83% of its outstanding equity. As a result of the step acquisition, FEMSA Cerveza identified and recorded intangible assets with indefinite lives consisting of trademarks of Ps. 524 and goodwill of Ps. 3,182 based on the preliminary purchase price allocation.

 

b) In June 2006, FEMSA Cerveza acquired a beer distribution operation from a third-party distributors for an aggregate amount of Ps. 867. As a result of the acquisition, FEMSA Cerveza identified and recorded intangible assets with indefinite lives consisting beer distribution rights of Ps. 804 based on the preliminary purchase price allocation. No goodwill was recognized as of result of the acquisition.

Note 7. Acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza Minority Interest.

On August 31, 2004, the Company terminated the existing arrangements among affiliates of FEMSA and Interbrew S.A. (“Interbrew”), Labatt Brewing Company Limited and certain of their affiliates. As a result FEMSA indirectly owns 100% of FEMSA Cerveza; and Interbrew indirectly owns 100% of Labatt USA LLC and Latrobe Brewing Company LLC, its distribution subsidiaries in the United States of America.

The Company paid Interbrew Ps. 15,623 and incurred transaction costs of Ps. 237, which consisted of financial, advisory and legal fees, capitalized as adjustments to the purchase price. This transaction was financed with bridge loans which were paid through an equity offering completed on May 25, 2005.

The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method and recorded trademarks and distribution rights as intangible assets with indefinite lives, for a total amount of Ps. 9,847. No goodwill was recognized as a result of the acquisition.

 

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Note 8. Accounts Receivable.

 

     2006     2005  

Trade

   Ps. 6,084     Ps. 4,437  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (542 )     (482 )

Notes receivable

     368       356  

Molson Coors (see Note 6 a)

     180       —    

The Coca-Cola Company

     179       422  

Insurance claims

     60       74  

Travel advances to employees

     48       34  

Loans to employees

     43       40  

Guarantee deposits

     38       239  

Other

     516       399  
                
   Ps. 6,974     Ps. 5,519  
                

The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Initial balance

   Ps. 482     Ps. 467     Ps. 426  

Provision for the year

     198       188       210  

Write-off of uncollectible accounts

     (119 )     (156 )     (161 )

Restatement of the initial balance

     (19 )     (17 )     (8 )
                        

Ending balance

   Ps. 542     Ps. 482     Ps. 467  
                        

Note 9. Inventories.

 

     2006     2005  

Finished products

   Ps. 3,831     Ps. 3,168  

Raw materials

     3,432       3,231  

Advances to suppliers

     129       70  

Work in process

     277       218  

Spare parts

     583       444  

Advertising and promotional materials

     5       8  

Allowance for obsolescence

     (128 )     (49 )
                
   Ps. 8,129     Ps. 7,090  
                

Note 10. Other Current Assets.

 

     2006    2005

Advertising and promotional expenses

     Ps. 344    Ps. 369

Restricted cash

     250    84

Derivative financial instruments

     231    207

Prepaid leases

     124    83

Agreements with customers

     80    87

Advances to suppliers

     65    55

Deferred promotional expenses

     38    33

Prepaid insurance

     20    18

Other

     14    47
           
   Ps. 1,166    Ps. 983
           

The advertising and promotional expenses recorded in the income statements for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 amounted to Ps. 4,572, Ps. 3,353 and Ps. 3,467, respectively.

 

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Note 11. Investments in Shares.

 

Company

   Ownership     2006    2005

FEMSA Cerveza:

       

Affiliated companies of FEMSA Cerveza (1)

   Various     Ps. 221    Ps. 195

Río Blanco Trust (waste water treatment plant) (1)

   19.12 %   74    78

Other (2)

   Various     13    14

Coca-Cola FEMSA:

       

Industria Envasadora de Querétaro, S.A. de C.V. (“IEQSA”) (1)

   23.11 %   108    156

KSP Partiçipações, S.A. (1)

   38.74 %   95    92

Industria Mexicana de Reciclaje, S.A. de C.V. (1)

   35.00 %   80    86

Compañía de Servicios de Bebidas Refrescantes S.A. de C.V. (“Salesko”) (1)

   26.00 %   17    21

Beta San Miguel, S.A. de C.V. (“Beta San Miguel”) (2)

   2.54 %   67    67

Complejo Industrial Can, S.A. (“CICAN”) (1)

   48.10 %   38    39

Other (2)

   Various     5    8

Other investments (2)

   Various     50    44
           
     Ps. 768    Ps. 800
           

Accounting method:

 

(1) Equity method.

 

(2) Restated acquisition cost (there is no readily determinable market value).

Note 12. Property, Plant and Equipment.

 

     2006     2005  

Land

   Ps. 6,321     Ps. 6,066  

Buildings, machinery and equipment

     75,638       69,137  

Accumulated depreciation

     (37,938 )     (33,848 )

Refrigeration equipment

     8,748       7,736  

Accumulated depreciation

     (6,646 )     (5,771 )

Construction in progress

     2,413       1,345  

Long-lived assets stated at realizable value

     745       765  

Other long-lived assets

     109       152  
                
   Ps. 49,390     Ps. 45,582  
                

The Company has identified certain long-lived assets that are not strategic to the current and future operations of the business and are available for sale, comprised of land, buildings and equipment for disposal, in accordance with an approved program for the disposal of certain investments. Such long-lived assets, which are not in use, and have been recorded at their estimated realizable value without exceeding their restated acquisition cost, as follows:

 

     2006    2005

FEMSA and others subsidiaries

   Ps. 296    Ps. 306

FEMSA Cerveza

     283      260

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     166      199
             
   Ps. 745    Ps. 765
             

Land

   Ps. 505    Ps. 513

Buildings

     212      224

Equipment

     28      28
             
   Ps. 745    Ps. 765
             

As a result of selling certain long-lived assets, the Company recognized a gain of Ps. 19 and Ps. 26 for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2004, respectively. In 2005 the result of selling long-lived assets was break-even.

 

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Note 13. Intangible Assets.

 

     2006    2005

Unamortized intangible assets:

     

Coca-Cola FEMSA:

     

Rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products

   Ps. 39,399    Ps. 39,001

FEMSA Cerveza:

     

Trademarks and distribution rights

   10,897    10,097

Goodwill

   3,182    —  

Kaiser trademarks

   524    —  

Other

   274    226

Other unamortized intangible assets

   472    472

Amortized intangible assets:

     

Cost of systems implementation

   688    783

Start-up expenses

   248    243

Other

   149    168
         
   Ps. 55,833    Ps. 50,990
         

The changes in the carrying amount of amortized intangible assets are as follows:

 

     Investments    Amortization         

Estimated

Amortization

Per Year

     Initial    Additions    Initial     For the
Year
    Total   

2006:

               

Cost of systems implementation

   Ps. 1,522    Ps. 279    Ps. (739)     Ps. (374)     Ps. 688    Ps. 350

Start-up expenses

     318      32      (75 )     (27 )     248      35

2005:

               

Cost of systems implementation

   Ps. 1,140    Ps. 382    Ps. (431)     Ps. (308)     Ps. 783   

Start-up expenses

     285      33      (52 )     (23 )     243   

Note 14. Other Assets.

 

     2006    2005

Leasehold improvements

   Ps. 3,508    Ps. 2,823

Agreements with customers

     3,255      3,243

Additional labor liabilities (see Note 17)

     1,226      580

Long-term accounts receivable

     356      407

Long-term licenses

     176      119

Advertising and promotional expenses

     119      67

Other

     812      663
             
   Ps. 9,452    Ps. 7,902
             

 

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Note 15. Balances and Transactions with Related Parties and Affiliated Companies.

The consolidated balance sheets and income statements include the following balances and transactions with related parties and affiliated companies:

 

Balances

   2006    2005

Assets (accounts receivable)

   Ps. 442    Ps. 671

Liabilities (suppliers and other liabilities)

   2,124    1,396

 

Transactions

   2006    2005    2004

Income:

        

Export beer sales to Labatt USA (1)

   Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 989

Interest income related to short-term bank deposits at BBVA Bancomer, S.A. (2) (4)

   —      —      40

Sales of cans and aluminum lid to Promotora Mexicana de Embotelladores, S.A. de C.V.

   1,065    966    974

Other revenues from affiliated companies of FEMSA Cerveza

   855    821    816

Sales of non-carbonated soft-drinks to Salesko

   26    19    —  

Expenses:

        

Purchase of concentrate from The Coca-Cola Company

   9,298    8,328    7,767

Purchase of baked goods and snacks from Grupo Industrial Bimbo, S.A. de C.V. (2)

   997    916    813

Purchase of sugar, can and aluminum lid from Promotora Mexicana de Embotelladores, S.A. de C.V.

   833    1,300    2,151

Purchase of canned products from IEQSA and CICAN

   785    617    509

Purchase of sugar from Beta San Miguel

   516    598    985

Interest expense paid to The Coca-Cola Company

   54    12    15

Insurance premiums for policies with Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A., Seguros Monterrey New York Life, S.A. and Fianzas Monterrey, S.A.(2) (4)

   39    52    233

Purchase of plastic bottles from Embotelladora del Atlántico, S.A. (formerly Complejo Industrial Pet, S.A.) (2)

   32    175    174

Purchases of crown caps from Tapón Corona, S.A.(3)

   —      122    223

Interest expense related to long-term debt at BBVA Bancomer, S.A. (2) (4)

   —      —      419

Management fees and technical assistance paid to Labatt (1)

   —      —      91

 


(1) Labatt and Labatt USA were considered to be related parties until the acquisition by FEMSA of the remaining 30% interest of FEMSA Cerveza (see Note 7).

 

(2) One or more members of the board of directors or senior management are members of the board of directors or senior management of the counterparties to these transactions.

 

(3) In 2006, Tapón Corona is not considered to be related party.

 

(4) Since 2005, BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V., Seguros Monterrey New York Life, S.A. and Fianzas Monterrey, S.A. are not considered to be related parties.

Note 16. Balances and Transactions in Foreign Currencies.

Assets, liabilities and transactions denominated in foreign currencies, other than the functional currencies of the reporting unit, translated into U.S. dollars are as follows:

 

Balances

       

Applicable

Exchange Rate (1)

   Short-Term    Long-Term    Total

2006:

   Assets    10.8755    $ 107    $ 16    $ 123
   Liabilities         233      535      768

2005:

   Assets    10.7109    $ 269    $ 12    $ 281
   Liabilities         369      545      914

(1) Mexican pesos per one U.S. dollar.

 

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Transactions

   2006    2005    2004

Revenues

   $ 387    $ 361    $ 256
                    

Expenses:

        

Purchases of raw materials

     553      468      411

Interest expense

     159      139      116

Export expenses

     74      65      29

Technical assistance fees

     11      5      32

Other

     111      84      102
                    
   $ 908    $ 761    $ 690
                    

As of February 23, 2007, the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements, the exchange rate published by “Banco de México” was 11.0023 Mexican pesos per one U.S. dollar, and the foreign currency position was similar to that as of December 31, 2006.

Note 17. Labor Liabilities.

In December 2006, the Company approved to modify its pension and retirement plans effective in 2007. Through December 2006, the Company’s pension and retirement plans provided for lifetime monthly payment as a complement to the pension payment received from the Mexican Social Security Institute (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, “IMSS”). The modified pension and retirement plans, provide for one a lump-sum benefit payment, in addition to the pension benefits received from the IMSS which will supplement the beneficiary’s earnings.

Additionally, FEMSA modified the long-term assumptions used in the actuarial calculations for its Mexican subsidiaries in 2006. The discount rate was reduced from 6.0% to 4.5% based on changes in the Company’s revised estimate of current prices for settling its related obligations as a result of recent stability reflected by the Mexican economy. The expected salary increase was reduced from 2.0% to 1.5% based on changes in the estimated future compensation of its Mexican employees. The expected return on plan assets was reduced from 6% to 4.5% based on returns currently being earned by plan assets and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment in the future.

The net effect of the changes mentioned above was an increase in pension and retirement plan, seniority premium and severance indemnity liabilities of Ps. 768, Ps. 18 and Ps. 22, respectively. These changes were accounted as an unrecognized prior service costs and unrecognized actuarial net loss, which will be amortized over the expected service period of the Company’s personnel.

 

a) Assumptions:

Actuarial calculations for pension and retirement plans, seniority premiums, postretirement medical services and severance indemnity liabilities, as well as the cost for the period, were determined in 2006 using the following long-term assumptions:

 

     Real Rates  

Annual discount rate

   4.5 %

Salary increase

   1.5 %

Return on assets

   4.5 %

Measurement date: December 2006

  

The basis for the determination of the long-term rate of return is supported by a historical analysis of average returns in real terms for the last 30 years of the Certificados de Tesorería del Gobierno Federal (Mexican Federal Government Treasury Certificates) for Mexican investments, Treasury Bonds of each country for other investments and the expected rates of return of long-term returns of the actual investments of the Company.

The annual growth rate for health care expenses is 2% in real terms, consistent with the historical average health care expense rate for the past 30 years and such rate is expected to remain consistent for the foreseeable future.

 

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Based on these assumptions, the expected benefits to be paid in the following years are as follows:

 

     Pension and
Retirement
Plans
  

Seniority

Premiums

   Postretirement
Medical
Services
  

Severance

Indemnities

2007

   Ps. 378    Ps. 11    Ps. 39    Ps. 106

2008

     293      12      40      78

2009

     280      13      41      70

2010

     264      14      42      65

2011

     316      17      44      59

2012 to 2016

     1,325      155      325      195

 

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b) Balances of the Liabilities:

 

     2006     2005  

Pension and retirement plans:

    

Vested benefit obligation

   Ps. 2,130     Ps. 1,844  

Non-vested benefit obligation

   2,450     1,682  
            

Accumulated benefit obligation

   4,580     3,526  

Excess of projected benefit obligation over accumulated benefit obligation

   500     391  
            

Projected benefit obligation

   5,080     3,917  

Pension plan funds at fair value

   (2,612 )   (2,197 )
            

Unfunded projected benefit obligation

   2,468     1,720  

Unrecognized net transition obligation

   (205 )   (274 )

Unrecognized prior service costs

   (1,026 )   —    

Unrecognized actuarial net gain (loss)

   5     (141 )
            
   1,242     1,305  

Additional labor liability

   896     351  
            

Total

   2,138     1,656  
            

Seniority premiums:

    

Vested benefit obligation

   111     91  

Non-vested benefit obligation

   101     76  
            

Accumulated benefit obligation

   212     167  

Excess of projected benefit obligation over accumulated benefit obligation

   24     24  
            

Unfunded projected benefit obligation

   236     191  

Unrecognized net transition obligation

   (10 )   (14 )

Unrecognized actuarial net loss

   (50 )   (18 )
            
   176     159  

Additional labor liability

   55     42  
            

Total

   231     201  
            

Postretirement medical services:

    

Vested benefit obligation

   301     292  

Non-vested benefit obligation

   404     316  
            

Accumulated benefit obligation

   705     608  

Medical services funds at fair value

   (101 )   (81 )
            

Unfunded accumulated benefit obligation

   604     527  

Unrecognized postretirement net transition obligation

   (41 )   (57 )

Unrecognized actuarial net loss

   (322 )   (280 )
            

Total

   241     190  
            

Severance indemnities:

    

Accumulated benefit obligation

   503     460  

Excess of projected benefit obligation over accumulated benefit obligation

   39     39  
            

Projected benefit obligation

   542     499  

Unrecognized net transition obligation

   (453 )   (386 )

Unrecognized actuarial net loss

   (33 )   —    
            
   56     113  

Additional labor liability

   449     396  
            

Total

   505     509  
            

Total labor liabilities

   Ps. 3,115     Ps. 2,556  
            

The accumulated actuarial gains and losses were generated by the differences in the assumptions used for the actuarial calculations at the beginning of the year versus the actual behavior of those variables at the end of the current period.

 

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The projected benefit obligation in some subsidiaries was less than the accumulated benefit obligation reduced by the amount of the plan assets at fair value, resulting in an additional liability, which was recorded in other assets up to an amount of the unrecognized net transition obligation (see Note 14) and the difference was recorded in other comprehensive loss.

 

c) Trust Assets:

Trust assets consist of fixed and variable return financial instruments, at market value. The trust assets are invested as follows:

 

     2006     2005  

Fixed Return:

    

Traded securities

   25 %   17 %

Bank instruments

   20 %   16 %

Federal government instruments

   31 %   30 %

Variable Return:

    

Publicly traded

   24 %   37 %
            
   100 %   100 %
            

The Company has a policy of maintaining at least 30% of the trust assets in Mexican Federal Government instruments. Objective portfolio guidelines have been established for the remaining percentage, and investment decisions are made to comply with those guidelines to the extent that market conditions and available funds allow. The composition of the portfolio is consistent with those of other large multi-national companies that manage long-term funds.

During 2006, the contributions to the pension plan and postretirement medical services trust assets amounted to Ps. 270, and the Company estimates that the contributions during 2007 will reach approximately Ps. 470.

The amounts and types of securities of the Company and related parties included in trust assets are as follows:

 

     2006    2005

Debt:

     

Grupo Industrial Bimbo, S.A. de C.V. (1)

   Ps. 10    Ps. 11

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     —        46

FEMSA

     —        23

Capital:

     

FEMSA

     185      302

 

(1) One or more members of the board of directors or senior management are members of the board of directors or senior management of this Company.

 

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d) Cost for the Year:

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Pension and retirement plans:

      

Service cost

   Ps. 130     Ps. 115     Ps. 115  

Interest cost

   220     205     206  

Expected return on trust assets

   (131 )   (119 )   (113 )

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

   53     52     25  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   5     1     —    
                  
   277     254     233  
                  

Seniority premiums:

      

Service cost

   23     22     21  

Interest cost

   11     10     10  

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

   2     2     1  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   1     —       —    
                  
   37     34     32  
                  

Postretirement medical services:

      

Service cost

   20     19     16  

Interest cost

   34     33     29  

Expected return on trust assets

   (3 )   (3 )   (2 )

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

   5     5     13  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   9     11     —    
                  
   65     65     56  
                  

Severance indemnities:

      

Service cost

   77     58     —    

Interest cost

   31     28     —    

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

   34     29     —    
                  
   142     115     —    
                  
   Ps. 521     Ps. 468     Ps. 321  
                  

 

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Table of Contents
e) Changes in the Balance of the Obligations:

 

     2006     2005  

Pension and retirement plans:

    

Initial balance

   Ps. 3,917     Ps. 3,653  

Service cost

   130     115  

Interest cost

   220     205  

Curtailment

   (23 )   —    

Amendments

   999     —    

Actuarial loss

   32     219  

Benefits paid

   (195 )   (275 )
            

Ending balance

   5,080     3,917  
            

Seniority premiums:

    

Initial balance

   191     179  

Service cost

   23     22  

Interest cost

   11     10  

Actuarial loss

   44     8  

Benefits paid

   (33 )   (28 )
            

Ending balance

   236     191  
            

Postretirement medical services:

    

Initial balance

   608     566  

Service cost

   20     19  

Interest cost

   34     33  

Actuarial loss

   86     9  

Benefits paid

   (43 )   (19 )
            

Ending balance

   705     608  
            

Severance indemnities:

    

Initial balance

   499     520  

Kaiser acquisition

   27     —    

Service cost

   77     58  

Interest cost

   31     28  

Actuarial loss

   31     —    

Benefits paid

   (123 )   (107 )
            

Ending balance

   542     499  
            

 

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Table of Contents
f) Changes in the Balance of the Trust Assets:

 

     2006     2005  

Pension and retirement plans:

    

Initial balance

   Ps. 2,197     Ps. 1,982  

Actual return on trust assets in real terms

   363     247  

Contributions

   208     150  

Benefits paid

   (156 )   (182 )
            

Ending balance

   2,612     2,197  
            

Postretirement medical services:

    

Initial balance

   81     65  

Actual return on trust assets in real terms

   1     7  

Contributions

   62     28  

Benefits paid

   (43 )   (19 )
            

Ending balance

   101     81  
            

 

g) Variation in Health Care Assumptions:

The following table presents the impact to the postretirement medical service obligations and the expenses recorded in the income statement with a variation of 1% in the assumed health care cost trend rates.

 

     Impact of changes:  
     + 1%    - 1%  

Postretirement medical services obligation

   Ps. 90    Ps. (119 )

Cost for the year

     18      (4 )

Note 18. Bonus Program.

The bonus program for executives is based on complying with certain goals established annually by management, which include quantitative and qualitative objectives and special projects.

The quantitative objectives represent approximately 50% of the bonus and are based on the Economic Value Added (“EVA”) methodology. The objective established for the executives at each entity is based on a combination of the EVA per entity and the EVA generated by the Company, calculated at approximately 70% and 30%, respectively. The qualitative objectives and special projects represent the remaining 50% of the annual bonus and are based on the critical success factors established at the beginning of the year for each executive.

In addition, the Company provides a share compensation plan to certain key executives, consisting of an annual cash bonus to purchase FEMSA shares or options, based on the executive’s responsibility in the organization, their business’ EVA result achieved, and their individual performance. The acquired shares or options are deposited in a trust, and the executives may access them one year after they are vested at 20% per year. 50% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s annual executive bonus is to be used to purchase FEMSA shares or options and the remaining 50% to purchase Coca-Cola FEMSA shares or options.

The incentive plan target is expressed in months of salary, and the final amount payable is computed based on a percentage of compliance with the goals established every year. The bonuses are recorded in income from operations and are paid in cash the following year. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the bonus expense recorded amounted to Ps. 862, Ps. 664 and Ps. 649, respectively.

All shares held by the trusts are considered outstanding for earnings per share purposes and dividends on shares held by the trusts are charged to retained earnings.

 

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Note 19. Bank Loans and Notes Payable.

The following table presents short-term debt consisted principally of revolving bank loans as well as their weighted average rates:

 

    

% Interest

Rate

    2006   

% Interest

Rate

    2005

Mexican pesos

   7.6 %   Ps. 406    4.4 %   Ps. 47

U.S. dollars

   5.9 %     1,791    4.7 %     5

Argentine pesos

   10.6 %     527    9.4 %     247

Venezuelan bolivars

   9.6 %     422    12.1 %     463

Brazilian reals

   13.9 %     102    —         —  

Japanese yen

   2.9 %     242    —         —  
                 
     Ps. 3,490      Ps. 762
                 

 

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The following table presents long-term bank loans and notes payable, as well as their weighted average rates and derivative financial instruments contracted by the Company:

 

    

% Interest

Rate

    2006    

% Interest

Rate

    2005  

Fixed interest rate:

        

U.S. dollars:

        

Yankee bonds

   7.3 %   Ps. 3,233     7.9 %   Ps. 5,576  

Bank loans

   5.3 %   642     3.4 %   263  

Capital leases

     —       5.6 %   118  

Mexican pesos:

        

Bank loans

   9.7 %   4,136     9.6 %   4,304  

Notes

   10.2 %   1,500     10.2 %   1,561  

Units of investment (UDI)

     —       8.7 %   1,483  

Japanese yen:

        

Bank loans

   5.8 %   151      

Variable interest rate:

        

U.S. dollars:

        

Bank loans

   5.7 %   2,660     4.8 %   2,470  

Capital leases

   8.7 %   9     6.9 %   53  

Mexican pesos:

        

Bank loans

   7.6 %   15,971     9.0 %   10,602  

Notes

   8.2 %   8,156     9.7 %   8,486  

Colombian pesos:

        

Notes

   9.3 %   166     8.7 %   401  

Brazilian reals:

        

Bank loans

   9.3 %   67       —    

Guatemalan quetzals:

        

Bank loans

     —       6.5 %   26  
                

Long-Term Debt

     36,691       35,343  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     (2,440 )     (4,401 )
                
     Ps. 34,251       Ps. 30,942  
                

Hedging Derivative Financial Instruments

  

% Interest

Rate (1)

    2006    

% Interest

Rate (1)

    2005  

Interest rate swaps variable to fixed:

        

Mexican pesos:

        

Bank loans:

     Ps. 11,835       Ps. 8,399  

Interest pay rate

   9.8 %     10.3 %  

Interest receive rate

   7.4 %     9.1 %  

Notes:

     8,156       8,486  

Interest pay rate

   9.2 %     9.2 %  

Interest receive rate

   8.0 %     9.7 %  

Cross currency swaps:

        

Bank loans from U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos:

     —         1,561  

Interest pay rate

       11.1 %  

Interest receive rate

       4.8 %  

Bank loans from Japanese yen to Brazilian reals:

     393       —    

Interest pay rate

   13.9 %      

Interest receive rate

   4.0 %      

(1) Weighted average rate.

 

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Maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

   Ps. 2,440

2008

     5,854

2009

     5,436

2010

     4,902

2011

     4,138

2012 and thereafter

     13,921
      
   Ps. 36,691
      

The Company has financing from different institutions with different restrictions and covenants, which mainly consist of maximum levels of leverage and capitalization as well as minimum consolidated net worth and debt and interest coverage ratios. As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the Company was in compliance with all restrictions and covenants contained in its financing agreements.

Note 20. Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

 

a) Long-Term Debt:

The fair value of long-term bank loans and syndicated loans is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, in which the discount rate is estimated using rates currently offered for debt of similar amounts and maturities. The fair value of long-term notes is based on quoted market prices. The fair value is estimated as of the date.

 

     2006    2005

Carrying value

   Ps. 36,691    Ps. 35,343

Fair value

   37,138    35,842

 

b) Interest Rate Swaps:

The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings, pursuant to which it pays amounts based on a fixed rate and receives amounts based on a floating rate. The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices to terminate the contracts at the date of the most reporting date. The changes in the fair value were recorded in cumulative other comprehensive loss.

At December 31, 2006, the Company has the following outstanding interest rate swap agreements:

 

Maturity

Date

  

Notional

Amount

  

Fair Value

Liability

 

2007

   Ps. 4,250    Ps. (36 )

2008

   5,000    (87 )

2009

   2,405    (147 )

2010

   3,513    (260 )

2011

   2,413    (152 )

2012

   1,500    (155 )

2013

   2,000    (52 )

The net effect of expired contracts is included in interest expense and amounted to Ps. 322, Ps. 28 and Ps. 158 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

A portion of certain interest rate swaps do not meet the hedging criteria for accounting purposes; consequently changes in the estimated fair value were recorded in the result of financing as a loss in the market value on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments, as part of the integral result of financing.

The net effect of these contracts as of the issuance of the financial statements was a loss of Ps. 36. As of December 31, 2005, there are no ineffective amounts regarding, the Company’s interest rate swaps.

 

c) Forward Agreements to Purchase Foreign Currency:

The Company entered into forward agreements to reduce its exposure to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations between the Mexican pesos and the euro for the purchase of equipment. The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices to terminate the contracts at the date of the reporting date. The changes in the fair value were recorded in cumulative other comprehensive loss. As of December 31, 2006 the notional amount of these contracts amounted to € 2 million with a fair value asset of Ps. 2. The contracts expire in January 2007.

 

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The net effect of the Company’s expired foreign exchange contracts are losses of Ps. 2, Ps. 9 and Ps. 18 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and in 2004; such effects were recorded as foreign exchange loss in the integral result of financing.

In connection with the bridge loans incurred regarding the acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza’s minority interest, the Company entered into forward contracts to buy U.S. dollars. This transaction generated a foreign exchange loss of Ps. 162 recorded in the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2005. These forward contracts were terminated in 2005 in conjunction with the payment of the bridge loans.

As of December 31, 2006, certain of the Company’s forward contracts to buy U.S. dollars and other currencies do not meet the hedging criteria for accounting purposes; consequently changes in the fair value were recorded in the integral result of financing as a market value gain or loss on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments as part of the integral result of financing.

The notional amount of such contracts that mature in 2007 is Ps. 1,144 with fair value asset of Ps. 41. The net effect of expired contracts amounting to Ps. 22 that did not meet the hedging criteria for accounting purposes is included as a market value loss on the ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments. As of December 31, 2005, there are no effects of forwards agreements to purchase foreign currency.

 

d) Cross Currency Swaps:

The Company enters into cross currency swaps to reduce its exposure to the risk of exchange rate and interest fluctuations associated with its borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies. The fair value is estimated based on the quoted market exchange rates and interest rates to terminate the contracts at the date of the reporting date. The changes in the fair value were recorded in cumulative other comprehensive loss.

As of December 31, 2006, the Company has cross currency swap agreements outstanding with a fair value liability of Ps. 18 and a notional amount of Ps. 393. Those contracts mature in 2007.

The net effect of expired contracts included in interest expenses as part of the integral result of financing amounted to Ps. 70 and Ps. 130 , for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Certain cross currency swaps instruments did not meet the hedging criteria for accounting purposes; consequently changes in the estimated fair value are recorded as a loss in the market value on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments as part of the integral result of financing.

Those contracts with a notional amount of Ps. 2,843 expire in December 2011 and the net effect changes in the fair value amounted Ps. 47 of a loss recorded in the market value on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments.

The net effect of expired contracts that did not meet the hedging criteria for accounting purposes is recorded as a market value loss on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments and amounted to Ps. 3 and Ps. 226 for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

e) Commodity Price Contracts:

The Company enters into various commodity price contracts to reduce its exposure to the risk of certain raw material costs. The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices to terminate the contracts at the reporting date. The changes in the fair value were recorded in cumulative other comprehensive loss.

As of December 31, 2006, the Company has commodity price contracts with maturity dates ending in 2008, with a notional amount of Ps. 1,029 and had recorded a fair value liability of Ps. 75.

As of the end of 2006 and 2005 the net effect of expired commodity price contracts were losses of Ps. 104 and Ps. 2, respectively, and were recorded as part of operating income offsetting the related raw material cost.

 

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f) Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments:

The Company has determined that its leasing contracts denominated in U.S. dollars host embedded derivative financial instruments. The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices to terminate the contracts at the reporting date. The changes in the fair value were recorded in the integral result of financing as market value on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments.

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005 the Company has recognized the fair value of such instruments as a market value assets of Ps. 67 and Ps. 124, respectively.

Note 21. Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries.

 

     2006    2005

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 19,849    Ps. 20,412

FEMSA Cerveza

   159    50
         
   Ps. 20,008    Ps. 20,462
         

Note 22. Stockholders’ Equity.

As of December 31, 2006, the capital stock of FEMSA was comprised of 5,963,710,450 common shares, without par value and with no foreign ownership restrictions. Fixed capital amounts to Ps. 300 (nominal value) and the variable capital may not exceed 10 times the minimum fixed capital stock.

The characteristics of the common shares are as follows:

 

 

Series “B” shares, with unlimited voting rights, which at all times must represent a minimum of 51% of total capital stock;

 

 

Series “L” shares, with limited voting rights, which may represent up to 25% of total capital stock; and

 

 

Series “D” shares, with limited voting rights, which individually or jointly with series “L” shares may represent up to 49% of total capital stock.

The Series “D” shares are comprised as follows:

 

 

Subseries “D-L” shares may represent up to 25% of the series “D” shares;

 

 

Subseries “D-B” shares may comprise the remainder of outstanding series “D” shares; and

 

 

The non-cumulative premium dividend to be paid to series “D” stockholders will be 125% of any dividend paid to series “B” stockholders.

The Series “B” and “D” shares are linked together in related units as follows:

 

 

“B units” each of which represents five series “B” shares and which are traded on the BMV;

 

 

“BD units” each of which represents one series “B” share, two subseries “D-B” shares and two subseries “D-L” shares, and which are traded both on the BMV and the NYSE; and

 

 

The related units will cease to be linked together on May 2008, after a period of 10 years from the date of the first issue. Subseries “D-B” shares will be converted into series “B” shares, and subseries “D-L” shares will be converted into series “L” shares.

As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA’s capital stock is comprised as follows:

 

     “B” Units    “BD” Units    Total

Units

   472,349,500    720,392,590    1,192,742,090
              

Shares:

        

Series “B”

   2,361,747,500    720,392,590    3,082,140,090

Series “D”

   —      2,881,570,360    2,881,570,360

Subseries “D-B”

   —      1,440,785,180    1,440,785,180

Subseries “D-L”

   —      1,440,785,180    1,440,785,180
              

Total shares

   2,361,747,500    3,601,962,950    5,963,710,450
              

On May 25, 2005, the Company completed an equity offering, obtaining net proceeds of Ps. 8,155, which were used to repay the bridge loans incurred in connection with the acquisition of a 30% equity interest in FEMSA Cerveza and to repay other indebtedness. As a result of the equity offering in 2005, the Company’s capital stock increased by 666,400,000 shares.

 

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The restatement of stockholders’ equity for inflation is allocated to each of the various stockholders’ equity accounts, as follows:

 

    

Historical

Value

   Restatement   

Restated

Value

Capital stock

   Ps. 2,982    Ps. 2,172    Ps. 5,154

Additional paid-in capital

   13,269    6,543    19,812

Retained earnings from prior years

   29,178    1,810    30,988

Net income

   6,465    157    6,622

The net income of the Company is subject to the legal requirement that 5% thereof be transferred to a legal reserve until such reserve equals 20% of capital stock at nominal value. This reserve may not be distributed to stockholders during the existence of the Company, except as a stock dividend. As of December 31, 2006, this reserve for FEMSA amounted to Ps. 596 (nominal value).

Retained earnings and other reserves distributed as dividends, as well as the effects derived from capital reductions, are subject to income tax at the rate in effect, except for the restated stockholder contributions and distributions made from consolidated taxable income, denominated “Cuenta de Utilidad Fiscal Neta” (“CUFIN”) or from reinvested consolidated taxable income, denominated “Cuenta de Utilidad Fiscal Neta Reinvertida” (“CUFINRE”).

Dividends paid in excess of CUFIN and CUFINRE are subject to income tax at a grossed-up rate based on the current statutory rate. In 2003, this tax may be credited against the income tax of the year in which the dividends are paid and in the following two years against the income tax and estimated tax payments. As of December 31, 2006, FEMSA’s balances of CUFIN and CUFINRE amounted to Ps. 30,501 and Ps. 1,114, respectively, and the deferred tax payments were Ps. 86.

At an ordinary stockholder meeting of FEMSA held on March 10, 2006, the stockholders approved a dividend of 0.147514 Mexican pesos (nominal value) per series “B” share and 0.184393 Mexican pesos (nominal value) per series “D” share that were paid in June 2006. Additionally, the stockholders approved a maximum of Ps. 3,000 for a stock repurchase program.

At an ordinary stockholder meeting of Coca-Cola FEMSA held on March 8, 2006, the stockholders approved a dividend of Ps. 716 that were paid in June 2006. The corresponding payment to the minority interest was Ps. 389.

Note 23. Net Majority Income per Share.

This represents the net majority income corresponding to each share of the Company’s capital stock, computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Additionally, the net income distribution according to the dividend rights of each share series is presented.

The following presents the computed weighted average number of shares and the distribution of income per share series as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     Millions of Shares
     Series “B”    Series “D”
     Number     Weighted
Average
   Number     Weighted
Average

Shares outstanding at December 31, 2004

   2,737.74     2,739.17    2,559.57     2,561.00

Increase in capital stock on May 25, 2005

   344.40     205.78    322.00     192.38
                     

Shares outstanding at December 31, 2005

   3,082.14     2,944.95    2,881.57     2,753.38

Shares outstanding at December 31, 2006

   3,082.14     3,082.14    2,881.57     2,881.57

Dividend rights

   1.00        1.25    

Allocation of earnings

   46.11 %      53.89 %  

Note 24. Tax System.

 

a) Income Tax:

Income tax is computed on taxable income, which differs from accounting income principally due to the treatment of the integral result of financing, the cost of labor liabilities, depreciation and other accounting provisions. The tax loss may be carried forward and applied against future taxable income as shown below.

 

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The income tax rates applicable in 2006 in the countries where the Company operates and the years in which tax loss carryforwards may be applied are as follows:

 

     Statutory
Tax Rate
    Expiration
(Years)

Mexico

   29.0 %   10

Guatemala

   31.0 %   N/A

Nicaragua

   30.0 %   3

Costa Rica

   30.0 %   3

Panama

   30.0 %   5

Colombia

   38.5 %   5-8

Venezuela

   34.0 %   3

Brazil

   34.0 %   Indefinite

Argentina

   35.0 %   5

The statutory income tax rate in Mexico for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was 29%, 30% and 33%, respectively.

Beginning January 1, 2005, an amendment to the income tax law in Mexico was effective and the principal changes were as follows:

 

   

The statutory income tax rate decreased from 30% in 2005 to 29% in 2006, and it will be reduced to 28% in 2007 and thereafter;

 

   

The tax deduction for inventories is made through cost of sales, and the inventory balance as of December 31, 2004 will be taxable during the next 4 to 12 years, based on specific criteria within the tax law;

 

   

Paid employee profit sharing is deductible for income tax purposes; and

 

   

The 60% limit of the stockholders’ participation in the taxable income or loss of Mexican subsidiaries was eliminated for tax consolidation purposes.

In Colombia, the tax losses generated before December 31, 2002, may be carried forward five years and those generated after January 1, 2003, may be carried forward eight years. Both are limited to 25% of taxable income of each year. Additionally, the statutory tax rate of Colombia decreases from 38.5% in 2006 to 34% in 2007 and 33% in 2008, and the tax impose to dividends of 5% was eliminated in 2006.

In Brazil, tax losses may be carried forward for an indefinite period but cannot be restated and are limited to 30% of the taxable income of each year.

 

b) Tax on Assets:

Through 2006, the Mexican tax on assets was computed at an annual rate of 1.8% based on the average of certain assets at tax restated value less certain liabilities. Since January 1, 2007 the tax on assets changed from 1.8% to 1.25% and also the deduction of liabilities was eliminated in order to determine the tax to be paid. The tax on assets is paid only to the extent that it exceeds the income tax of the year. If in any year a tax on assets payment is required, this amount can be credited against the excess of income taxes future payments over the tax on assets in each of the preceding three years. Additionally, this payment may be restated and credited against the excess of income taxes over asset taxes for the following 10 years.

The operations in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia and Argentina are also subject to a minimum tax, which is based primarily on a percentage of assets. Any payments are recoverable in future years, under certain conditions.

 

c) Employee Profit Sharing:

Employee profit sharing is applicable to Mexico and Venezuela. In Mexico, employee profit sharing is computed at the rate of 10% of the individual taxable income, except that depreciation of historical rather than restated values is used, foreign exchange gains and losses are not included until the asset is disposed of or the liability is due, and other effects of inflation are also excluded. In Venezuela, employee profit sharing is computed at a rate equivalent to 15% of after tax earnings.

 

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d) Deferred Income Tax:

The temporary differences that generated deferred income tax liabilities (assets) are as follows:

 

Deferred Income Taxes

   2006     2005  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   Ps. (104 )   Ps. (145 )

Inventories

     530       850  

Prepaid expenses

     126       118  

Property, plant and equipment

     4,955       4,771  

Investments in shares

     (9 )     (11 )

Intangible and other assets

     (784 )     (750 )

Labor liabilities

     (477 )     (512 )

Recoverable tax on assets

     (48 )     (83 )

Tax loss carryforwards

     (3,342 )     (1,165 )

Valuation allowance

     2,664       515  

Derivative financial instruments

     (247 )     (256 )

Loss contingencies

     (440 )     (709 )

Temporary non deductible provision

     (729 )     (440 )

Employee profit sharing

     (145 )     (142 )

Other reserves

     157       102  
                

Deferred income tax, net

     2,107       2,143  

Deferred income tax asset

     1,727       1,390  
                

Deferred income tax liability

   Ps. 3,834     Ps. 3,533  
                

The changes in the balance of the deferred income tax, net are as follows:

 

     2006     2005  

Initial balance

   Ps. 2,143     Ps. 2,802  

Loss on monetary position

     (27 )     (14 )

Tax provision for the year

     34       (132 )

Change in the statutory income tax rate

     (16 )     (10 )

Effects in stockholders equity:

    

Additional labor liability over unrecognized net transition obligation

     10       (60 )

Derivative financial instruments

     (10 )     (256 )

Result of holding non-monetary assets

     (27 )     (187 )
                

Ending balance

   Ps. 2,107     Ps. 2,143  
                

There are no significant non-recurring temporary differences between the accounting income for the year and the bases used for Mexican employee profit sharing. As a result, the Company has not recorded a provision for deferred employee profit sharing.

 

e) Provision for the Year:

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Current income tax

   Ps. 4,226     Ps. 4,428     Ps. 4,593  

Tax on assets

     52       14       74  

Deferred income tax

     34       (132 )     (407 )

Change in the statutory income tax rate

     (16 )     (10 )     (647 )

Benefit from favorable tax ruling

     —         —         (1,410 )
                        

Income tax

     4,296       4,300       2,203  

Employee profit sharing

     510       566       446  
                        
   Ps. 4,806     Ps. 4,866     Ps. 2,649  
                        

 

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f) Tax Loss Carryforwards and Recoverable Tax on Assets:

The subsidiaries from Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil have tax loss carryforwards and/or recoverable tax on assets. The expiration dates of such amounts are as follows:

 

Year

  

Tax Loss

Carryforwards

  

Recoverable

Tax on Assets

2007

   Ps. 1    Ps. —  

2008

     1      —  

2009

     35      —  

2010

     60      8

2011

     16      2

2012

     35      12

2013

     144      12

2014

     233      22

2015

     142      —  

2016 and thereafter

     —        —  

No expiration (Brazil, see Note 24 a)

     9,265      —  
             
   Ps. 9,932    Ps. 56
             

Due to the uncertainty of the realization of tax loss carryforwards, Ps. 7,833 has been excluded from the deferred income tax asset associated with such carryforwards. The changes in the valuation allowance which reduce the related deferred tax asset are as follows:

 

     2006     2005  

Initial balance

   Ps. 515     Ps. 550  

Kaiser acquisition

     2,490       —    

Provision of the year

     —         122  

Cancellation of provision

     (325 )     (128 )

Restatement of the initial balance

     (16 )     (29 )
                

Ending balance

   Ps. 2,664     Ps. 515  
                

 

g) Reconciliation of Mexican Statutory Income Tax Rate to Consolidated Effective Income Tax Rate:

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Mexican statutory income tax rate

   29.0 %   30.0 %   33.0 %

Difference between book and tax inflationary effects

   (0.1 )%   0.6 %   (3.1 )%

Non-deductible expenses

   3.3 %   1.9 %   4.8 %

Change in inventories tax deduction

   —       (2.1 )%   —    

Change in Mexican income tax rate

   0.1 %   —       (5.8 )%

Employee profit sharing

   (1.0 )%   (1.1 )%   —    

Non-taxable income

   (1.5 )%   (0.1 )%   —    

Benefit from favorable tax ruling

   —       —       (12.4 )%

Other

   0.9 %   2.8 %   0.8 %
                  

Consolidated effective income tax rate

   30.7 %   32.0 %   17.3 %
                  

 

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Note 25. Contingencies and Commitments.

 

a) Contingencies Recorded in the Balance Sheet:

The Company has various loss contingencies, and reserves have been recorded in those cases where the Company believes an unfavorable resolution is probable. Most of these loss contingencies were recorded as a result of the Coca-Cola FEMSA territories acquisition in the Latin American and Kaiser acquisition. The following table presents the nature and amount of the loss contingencies recorded as of December 31, 2006:

 

     Total

Tax

   Ps. 1,549

Legal

     219

Labor

     512
      

Total

   Ps. 2,280
      

 

b) Unsettled Lawsuits:

The Company has entered into legal proceedings with its labor unions, tax authorities and other parties that primarily involve Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza. These proceedings have resulted in the ordinary course of business and are common to the industry in which the Company operates. The aggregate amount of these proceedings is $86. Those contingencies were classified by legal counsel as less than probable but more than remote of being settled against the Company. However the Company believes that the ultimate resolution of such legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or result of operations.

In recent years in its Mexican, Costa Rican and Brazilian territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza have been requested to present certain information regarding possible monopolistic practices. These requests are commonly generated in the ordinary course of business in the beer and soft drink industries where those subsidiaries operate.

In 2001, a labor union and several individuals from the Republic of Colombia filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern Division of Florida against certain Colombian subsidiaries and The Coca-Cola Company. In the complaint, the plaintiffs alleged that the subsidiaries engaged in wrongful acts against the labor union and its members in Colombia for the amount of $500. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On September 29, 2006 the Court entered a consolidated omnibus order dismissing the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and conclusively ruled that the Court did not have subject matter jurisdiction over any of the labor union and its member actions, and thus all of the claims against the Company were effectively dismissed. However, the plaintiffs have appealed this ruling.

 

c) Collateralize Contingencies:

As is customary in Brazil, the Company has been requested by the tax authorities to collateralize tax contingencies currently in litigation amounting to Ps. 1,415 by pledging fixed assets and entering into available lines of credit which cover such contingencies.

 

d) Commitments:

As of December 31, 2006, the Company has capital and operating lease commitments for the leasing of production machinery and equipment, distribution equipment, computer equipment and land for FEMSA Comercio’s operations.

The contractual maturities of the lease commitments by currency, expressed in Mexican pesos as of December 31, 2006, are as follows:

 

     Mexican Pesos    U.S. Dollars    Others

2007

   Ps. 1,037    Ps. 700    Ps. 71

2008

     1,041      474      66

2009

     1,031      373      67

2010

     1,005      40      69

2011

     951      6      18

2012

     908      —        —  

2013 and thereafter

     5,562      —        —  
                    

Total

   Ps. 11,535    Ps. 1,593    Ps. 291
                    

Rental expense charged to operations amounted to approximately Ps. 1,468, Ps. 1,619 and Ps. 1,217 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

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Note 26. Information by Segment.

 

a) By Business Unit:

 

2006

 

Coca-Cola

FEMSA

 

FEMSA

Cerveza

 

FEMSA

Comercio

  Other  

Consolidation

Adjustments

    Consolidated

Total revenue

  Ps. 57,738   Ps. 35,599   Ps. 35,500   Ps. 7,678   Ps. (10,088 )   Ps. 126,427

Intercompany revenue

    696     3,598     12     5,782     (10,088 )     —  

Income from operations

    9,456     5,915     1,604     415     —         17,390

Depreciation (1)

    2,393     1,684     415     107     —         4,599

Amortization

    208     1,928     350     34     —         2,520

Other non-cash charges (2) (3)

    178     223     15     85     —         501

Impairment of long-lived assets

    76     117     —       7     —         200

Interest expense

    2,124     1,531     388     506     (509 )     4,040

Interest income

    315     219     51     631     (509 )     707

Income tax

    2,318     1,423     347     208     —         4,296

Capital expenditures

    2,615     4,212     1,873     188     —         8,888

Long-term assets

    63,952     45,765     7,626     7,614     (4,976 )     119,981

Total assets

    75,024     58,588     11,865     10,390     (10,477 )     145,390

2005

                         

Total revenue

  Ps. 53,997   Ps. 28,690   Ps. 29,898   Ps. 6,250   Ps. (7,199 )   Ps. 111,636

Intercompany revenue

    627     2,151     2     4,419     (7,199 )     —  

Income from operations

    9,218     5,590     1,310     285     —         16,403

Depreciation (1)

    2,385     1,558     336     103     —         4,382

Amortization

    168     1,813     290     15     —         2,286

Other non-cash charges (2) (3)

    160     156     7     66     —         389

Impairment of long-lived assets

    —       79     —       2     —         81

Interest expense

    2,591     1,264     367     733     (435 )     4,520

Interest income

    311     218     67     523     (435 )     684

Income tax

    2,455     1,143     298     404     —         4,300

Capital expenditures

    2,219     3,086     1,472     257     —         7,034

Long-term assets

    62,698     37,454     6,533     7,963     (5,438 )     109,210

Total assets

    71,034     46,625     10,082     11,823     (7,252 )     132,312

2004

                         

Total revenue

  Ps. 51,276   Ps. 26,848   Ps. 24,556   Ps. 5,610   Ps. (5,974 )   Ps. 102,316

Intercompany revenue

    295     1,735     2     3,942     (5,974 )     —  

Income from operations

    8,459     5,101     979     425     —         14,964

Depreciation (1)

    2,177     1,604     232     112     —         4,125

Amortization

    309     1,803     236     33     —         2,381

Other non-cash charges (2) (3)

    65     209     16     53     —         343

Impairment of long-lived assets

    —       495     —       14     —         509

Interest expense

    2,753     864     234     527     (302 )     4,076

Interest income

    317     169     55     374     (302 )     613

Income tax

    920     860     256     167     —         2,203

Capital expenditures

    2,162     3,409     1,772     165     —         7,508
 
  (1) Includes breakage of bottles.

 

  (2) Excludes the non-cash charges related to current assets and liabilities.

 

  (3) Includes the cost for the year related to labor liabilities (see Note 17 d) and participation in associated companies.

 

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b) By Geographic Area:

 

2006

  

Total

Revenue

   

Capital

Expenditures

  

Long-term

Assets

  

Total

Assets

 

Mexico

   Ps. 95,795     Ps. 7,524    Ps. 92,100    Ps. 110,888  

Central America (1)

     4,145       73      5,297      6,214  

Colombia

     5,586       499      6,458      9,207  

Venezuela

     6,536       181      3,750      4,935  

Brazil

     11,340       402      10,997      15,711  

Argentina

     3,281       209      1,379      2,219  

Consolidation adjustments

     (256 )     —        —        (3,784 )
                              

Consolidated

   Ps. 126,427     Ps. 8,888    Ps. 119,981    Ps. 145,390  
                              

2005

  

Total

Revenue

   

Capital

Expenditures

  

Long-term

Assets

  

Total

Assets

 

Mexico

   Ps. 87,281     Ps. 5,715    Ps. 87,778    Ps. 107,084  

Central America (1)

     3,636       197      4,810      5,823  

Colombia

     5,238       368      6,427      9,106  

Venezuela

     5,875       412      3,953      4,935  

Brazil

     6,650       204      4,879      7,196  

Argentina

     3,090       138      1,363      1,955  

Consolidation adjustments

     (134 )     —        —        (3,787 )
                              

Consolidated

   Ps. 111,636     Ps. 7,034    Ps. 109,210    Ps. 132,312  
                              

2004

  

Total

Revenue

   

Capital

Expenditures

Mexico

   Ps. 79,634     Ps. 6,532

Central America (1)

     3,736       173

Colombia

     4,734       137

Venezuela

     5,563       279

Brazil

     5,865       324

Argentina

     2,871       63

Consolidation adjustments

     (87 )     —  
              

Consolidated

   Ps. 102,316     Ps. 7,508
              
 
  (1) Includes Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

Note 27. Differences Between Mexican FRS and U.S. GAAP.

As discussed in Note 2, the consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with Mexican FRS, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of the reported majority net income, majority stockholders’ equity and majority comprehensive income to U.S. GAAP is presented in Note 28. It should be noted that this reconciliation to U.S. GAAP does not include the reversal of the restatement of the financial statements as required by Bulletin B-10, “Reconocimiento de los Efectos de la Inflación en la Información Financiera” (Recognition of the Effects of Inflation in the Financial Information), of Mexican FRS.

The application of this Bulletin represents a comprehensive measure of the effects of price-level changes in the Mexican economy and, as such, is considered a more meaningful presentation than historical cost-based financial reporting in Mexican pesos for both Mexican and U.S. accounting purposes.

The principal differences between Mexican FRS and U.S. GAAP included in the reconciliation that affect the consolidated financial statements of the Company are described below.

 

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a) Consolidation of Coca-Cola FEMSA:

Under Mexican FRS, the Company consolidates Coca-Cola FEMSA since it owns a majority of the outstanding voting capital stock and exercises control over the operations of Coca-Cola FEMSA in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the requirements of Mexican Bulletin B-8, “Estados Financieros Consolidados y Combinados y Valuación de Inversiones Permanentes en Acciones” (Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and Valuation of Long-Term Investments in Shares). Pursuant to Bulletin B-8, Coca-Cola FEMSA meets the criteria of a subsidiary for consolidation as FEMSA holds more than 50% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s outstanding voting stock and has not yielded control to a minority shareholder. Bulletin B-8 establishes that control has been yielded when a minority shareholder obtains:

 

   

Control over more than 50% of the voting rights through a formal agreement with other shareholders;

 

   

The power derived from by-laws or formal agreement by shareholders to govern the operating and financial policies of a company;

 

   

The power to appoint or remove a majority of the Board of Directors or any organization that governs the operating and financial policies of the Company; or

 

   

The power to decide the majority of the votes of the Board of Directors.

No minority shareholder of Coca-Cola FEMSA has obtained any of the rights described above.

The shareholders agreement grants The Coca-Cola Company substantive participating rights. The affirmative vote of two Directors appointed by The Coca-Cola Company is, with limited exceptions, required for matters considered by the Board of Directors, including the annual business plan, capital investment plan and asset disposals, mergers, acquisitions or sales of any line of business. Under Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 96-16, “Investor’s Accounting for an Investee When the Investor Owns a Majority of the Voting Stock but the Minority Shareholder or Shareholders Have Certain Approval or Veto Rights” such approval and veto rights held by The Coca-Cola Company qualify as substantive participating rights and therefore do not allow FEMSA to consolidate Coca-Cola FEMSA in its financial statements for U.S. GAAP purposes. Therefore, FEMSA’s investment in Coca-Cola FEMSA is recorded by applying the equity method in FEMSA’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

As mentioned in Note 5, in 2006 FEMSA indirectly acquired an additional, 8.02% of the total outstanding equity of Coca-Cola FEMSA. According to Mexican FRS Bulletin B-7, this is a transaction between shareholders that does not impact the net assets of the Company, and the payment in excess of the book value of the shares acquired is recorded in stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. Under US GAAP, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations”, purchases of minority interest represent a “step acquisition” that must be recorded by the purchase method, whereby the purchase price is allocated to the proportionate fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. As of December 31, 2006, the purchase price allocation for this acquisition has not been completed, and the allocation period is open. The difference between the fair value and the price paid for the 8.02% of Coca-Cola FEMSA equity is presented as part of investment in Coca-Cola FEMSA shares in the consolidated balance sheet under U.S. GAAP. The Company does not anticipate recognizing any goodwill as a result of this acquisition.

Summarized consolidated balance sheets and income statements of Coca-Cola FEMSA and subsidiaries under U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are presented as follows:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   2006    2005

Current assets

   Ps. 11,509    Ps. 7,979

Property, plant and equipment

     20,472      19,867

Other assets

     43,727      42,694
             

Total assets

   Ps. 75,708    Ps. 70,540
             

Current liabilities

   Ps. 12,161    Ps. 12,590

Long-term liabilities

     22,076      21,821
             

Total liabilities

     34,237      34,411

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     1,214      998

Stockholders’ equity

     40,257      35,131
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   Ps. 75,708    Ps. 70,540
             

 

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Consolidated Income Statements

   2006    2005     2004

Total revenues

   Ps. 57,568    Ps. 52,233     Ps. 49,351

Income from operations

     8,432      8,423       7,837

Income before income tax

     7,421      7,154       6,809

Income tax

     2,332      2,382       619

Minority interest in results of consolidated subsidiaries

     170      123       25
                     

Net income

     4,919      4,649       6,165

Other comprehensive income

     986      (324 )     943
                     

Comprehensive income

   Ps. 5,905    Ps. 4,325     Ps. 7,108
                     

 

b) Restatement for Inflation of Prior Year Financial Statements:

As explained in Note 4 a), in accordance with Mexican FRS, the financial statements for Mexican subsidiaries for prior years were restated using inflation factors and for foreign subsidiaries and affiliated companies for prior years were restated using the inflation rate of the country in which the foreign subsidiary or affiliated company is located, then translated to Mexican pesos at the year-end exchange rate.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company applies the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America (“SEC”), which require that prior year financial statements be restated in constant units of the reporting currency, in this case the Mexican peso, which requires the restatement of such prior year amounts using Mexican inflation factors.

Additionally, all other U.S. GAAP adjustments for prior years have been restated based upon such methodology.

 

c) Classification Differences:

Certain items require a different classification in the balance sheet or income statement under U.S. GAAP. These include:

 

   

As explained in Note 4 c), under Mexican FRS, advances to suppliers are recorded as inventories. Under U.S. GAAP advances to suppliers are classified as prepaid expenses;

 

   

Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets, the gains or losses on the disposition of fixed assets, all severance indemnity charges and employee profit sharing must be included in operating expenses under U.S. GAAP; and

 

   

Under Mexican FRS, deferred taxes are classified as non-current, while under U.S. GAAP they are based on the classification of the related asset or liability.

 

d) Deferred Promotional Expenses:

As explained in Note 4 d), for Mexican FRS purposes, the promotional costs related to the launching of new products or presentations are recorded as prepaid expenses. For U.S. GAAP purposes, such promotional costs are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, this difference was reconciled by Coca-Cola FEMSA and its impact in FEMSA is included in the participation of Coca-Cola FEMSA. No other consolidated entity has deferred promotional expenses.

 

e) Start-up Expenses:

As explained in Note 4 i), under Mexican FRS, start-up expenses are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method in accordance with the terms of the lease contracts at the start of operations. Under U.S. GAAP, these expenses must be recorded in the income statement as incurred, except for the licenses for the sale of beer paid for by FEMSA Comercio, which are considered to be intangible assets and amortized using the straight-line method beginning at the start of operations.

 

f) Intangible Assets:

As mentioned in Note 4 i), under Mexican FRS, until January 1, 2003, all intangible assets were amortized over a period of no more than 20 years. Effective January 1, 2003, revised Bulletin C-8, “Activos Intangibles” (Intangible Assets), went into effect and recognizes that certain intangible assets (excluding goodwill) have indefinite lives and should not be amortized. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (effective January 1, 2002), goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are also no longer subject to amortization, but rather are subject to periodic assessment for impairment. Accordingly, amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets was discontinued in 2002 for U.S. GAAP. In 2003 amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets was discontinued for Mexican FRS and in 2004 the amortization of goodwill was discontinued (see Note 4 i).

 

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As a result of adopting SFAS No. 142, the Company performed an initial impairment test as of January 1, 2002 and found no impairment. Subsequent impairment tests are performed annually by the Company, unless an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. In such case an impairment test would be performed between annual tests.

 

g) Restatement of Imported Equipment for Inflation:

As explained in Note 4 g), under Mexican FRS, imported machinery and equipment have been restated by applying the inflation rate of the country of origin and translated into Mexican pesos using the year-end rate.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company applies the regulations of the SEC, which require that all machinery and equipment, both domestic and imported, be restated using Mexican inflation factors.

 

h) Capitalization of the Integral Result of Financing:

Under Mexican FRS, the capitalization of the integral result of financing (interest, foreign exchange and monetary position) generated by loan agreements obtained to finance investment projects is optional, and the Company has elected not to capitalize the integral result of financing.

In accordance with SFAS No. 34, “Capitalization of Interest Cost”, if the integral result of financing is incurred during the construction of qualifying assets, capitalization is required for all assets that require a period of time to get them ready for their intended use. Accordingly, a reconciling item for the capitalization of a portion of the integral result of financing is included in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation of the majority net income and majority stockholders’ equity. If the borrowings are denominated in U.S. dollars, the weighted average interest rate on all such outstanding debt is applied to the balance of construction-in-progress to determine the amount to be capitalized. If the borrowings are denominated in Mexican pesos, the amount of interest to be capitalized as noted above is reduced by the gain on monetary position associated with the debt.

 

i) Derivative Financial Instruments:

As of January 1, 2005, in accordance with Mexican FRS, as mentioned in Note 4 q), the Company values and records all derivative financial instruments and hedging activities according to Bulletin C-10, “Instrumentos Financieros Derivados y Operaciones de Cobertura” (Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities), which establishes similar accounting treatment as described in SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Therefore, as of such date the Company no longer has any difference as it relates to derivative financial instruments.

 

j) Deferred Income Tax and Employee Profit Sharing:

The Company calculates its deferred income tax and employee profit sharing in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” for U.S. GAAP purposes, which differs from Mexican FRS as follows:

 

   

Under Mexican FRS, the effects of inflation on the deferred tax balance generated by monetary items are recognized in the result of monetary position. Under U.S. GAAP, the deferred tax balance is classified as a non-monetary item. As a result, the consolidated income statement differs with respect to the presentation of the gain or loss on monetary position and deferred income tax provision;

 

   

Under Mexican FRS, deferred employee profit sharing is calculated considering only those temporary differences that arise during the year and which are expected to reverse within a defined period, while under U.S. GAAP, the same liability method used for deferred income tax is applied; and

 

   

The differences in start-up expenses, restatement of imported machinery and equipment, capitalization of financing costs, financial instruments and pension plan mentioned in Note 27 d), f), g), h) and j) generate a difference when calculating the deferred income tax under U.S. GAAP compared to that presented under Mexican FRS (see Note 24 d).

As explained in Note 24 a), the 2005 employee profit sharing to be paid in 2006 will be deductible for income tax purposes in Mexico. This new deduction will reduce the payments of income tax in subsequent years. Therefore, the Company recorded a reduction to the deferred income tax liability under U.S. GAAP of Ps. 175 and Ps. 250 as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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The reconciliation of deferred income tax and employee profit sharing, as well as the changes in the balances of deferred taxes, are as follows:

 

Reconciliation of Deferred Income Tax, net

   2006     2005  

Deferred income tax under Mexican FRS

   Ps. 2,107     Ps. 2,142  

Deferred income tax of Coca-Cola FEMSA

     133       318  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

    

Start-up expenses

     (53 )     (51 )

Restatement of imported equipment

     84       164  

Capitalization of integral result of financing

     98       112  

Tax deduction for employee profit sharing

     (175 )     (250 )

Labor liabilities

     (451 )     (95 )
                

Total U.S. GAAP adjustments

     (497 )     (120 )
                

Deferred income tax, net under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 1,743     Ps. 2,340  
                

The total deferred income tax under U.S. GAAP includes the corresponding current portion as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 of Ps. 286 and Ps. 959, respectively.

 

Changes in the Balance of Deferred Income Tax

   2006     2005  

Initial balance

   Ps. 2,340     Ps. 2,720  

SFAS No. 158 adjustment

     (310 )     —    

Provision for the year

     (230 )     (240 )

Derivative financial instruments

     (67 )     (110 )

Additional labor liability over unrecognized net

transition obligation

     —         (19 )

Change in the statutory income tax rate

     10       (11 )
                

Ending balance

   Ps. 1,743     Ps. 2,340  
                

 

Reconciliation of Deferred Employee Profit Sharing

   2006     2005  

Deferred employee profit sharing under Mexican FRS

   Ps. —       Ps. —    

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (6 )     (6 )

Inventories

     124       212  

Prepaid expenses

     27       33  

Property, plant and equipment

     939       929  

Deferred charges

     (129 )     (94 )

Intangible assets

     1       7  

Capitalization of interest expense

     35       40  

Start-up expenses

     (16 )     (15 )

Derivative financial instruments

     3       5  

Labor liabilities

     (286 )     (162 )

Other reserves

     (66 )     (55 )
                

Total U.S. GAAP adjustments

     626       894  
                

Deferred employee profit sharing under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 626     Ps. 894  
                

The total deferred employee profit sharing under U.S. GAAP includes the corresponding current portion as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 of Ps. 148 and Ps. 244, respectively.

 

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Changes in the Balance of Deferred Employee Profit Sharing

   2006     2005  

Initial balance

   Ps. 894     Ps. 1,140  

SFAS No. 158 adjustment

     (125 )     —    

Provision for the year

     (143 )     (240 )

Additional labor liability over unrecognized net transition obligation

     —         (6 )
                

Ending balance

   Ps. 626     Ps. 894  
                

 

k) Labor Liabilities:

Under Mexican FRS, the liabilities for employee benefits are determined using actuarial computations in accordance with Bulletin D-3 which is substantially the same as SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” except for the initial year of application of both standards, which generates a difference in the unamortized net transition obligation and in the amortization expense.

In January 1997, as a result of the application of inflationary accounting, Mexican FRS determined that labor obligations are non-monetary liabilities and required the application of real, instead of nominal, interest rates in actuarial calculations. These changes required recalculation of the accumulated transition obligation, and the difference in the transition obligation represents the sum of the actuarial gains or losses since the first year that labor obligations have been calculated.

The Company uses the same real interest rate for both U.S. GAAP and Mexican FRS. As a result, the transition obligation has been recalculated and the difference is being amortized over the average life of employment of the Company.

Under Mexican FRS, as mentioned in Note 4 l), effective in 2005 revised Bulletin D-3 requires the recognition of a severance indemnity liability calculated based on actuarial computations. The same recognition criteria under U.S. GAAP is established in SFAS No. 112 “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,” which has been effective since 1994. The Company had not previously recorded an amount under U.S. GAAP as it believed that an obligation could not be reasonably quantified.

Beginning in 2005, the Company applies the same considerations as required by Mexican FRS to recognize the severance indemnity liability for U.S. GAAP purposes. The cumulative effect of the severance obligation related to vested services was recorded in the 2005 income statement since the effect was not considered to be quantitatively or qualitatively material to the Company’s consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements taken as a whole. The additional labor liability has not been recorded for U.S. GAAP purposes.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R),” in its December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements. This statement requires companies to (1) fully recognize, as an asset or liability, the overfunded or underfunded status of defined pension and other postretirement benefit plans; (2) recognize changes in the funded status through other comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur; and (3) provide enhanced disclosures. The impact of adoption, including the interrelated impact on the minimum pension liability, resulted in an increase in total liabilities and a decrease in stockholders’ equity reported under U.S. GAAP of Ps. 185 and Ps. 860, respectively.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 158, there was no difference in the liabilities for seniority premiums and postretirement medical benefits between Mexican FRS and U.S. GAAP.

The reconciliation of the cost for the year and labor liabilities is as follows:

 

Cost for the Year

   2006     2005     2004  

Net cost recorded under Mexican FRS

   Ps. 521     Ps. 468     Ps. 321  

Net cost of Coca-Cola FEMSA

     (140 )     (167 )     (71 )

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

      

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

     (5 )     269       30  
                        

Cost for the year under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 376     Ps. 570     Ps. 280  
                        

 

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     December 2006        

Labor Liabilities

   Before SFAS
No. 158
   

SFAS

No. 158

    After SFAS
No. 158
   

December

2005

 

Labor liabilities under Mexican FRS

   Ps. 3,115     Ps. —       Ps. 3,115     Ps. 2,556  

Labor liabilities of Coca-Cola FEMSA

     (862 )     —         (862 )     (820 )

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

        

Unrecognized net transition obligation

     265       1,038       1,303       284  

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     61       379       440       42  

Additional labor liability in accumulated other comprehensive income

     —         (122 )     (122 )     —    
                                

U.S.GAAP adjustments to stockholders’ equity

     326       1,295       1,621       326  

Additional severance indemnity liability

     (244 )     —         (244 )     —    

Additional pension plan liability

     (51 )     (675 )     (726 )     —    
                                

Total U.S. GAAP adjustment

     31       620       651       326  
                                

Labor liabilities under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 2,284     Ps. 620     Ps. 2,904     Ps. 2,062  
                                

The incremental effect of this adoption on the individual line items in the December 31, 2006 consolidated U.S. GAAP balance sheet is shown in the following table:

 

Application of SFAS No. 158

   Before    

SFAS

No. 158

    After  

Assets:

      

Other assets

   Ps. 8,419     Ps. (675)     Ps. 7,744  
                        

Total assets

     111,213       (675 )     110,538  
                        

Long-term liabilities:

      

Deferred income tax liability

     2,053       (310 )     1,743  

Deferred employee profit sharing

     751       (125 )     626  

Labor liabilities

     2,284       620       2,904  
                        

Total liabilities

     38,947       185       39,133  
                        

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

      

Labor liabilities

     (108 )     (860 )     (968 )
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     72,106       (860 )     71,246  
                        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   Ps. 111,213     Ps. (675)     Ps. 110,538  
                        

Estimates of the unrecognized items expected to be recognized as components of net periodic pension cost during 2007 are shown in the table below:

 

    

Pension and

Retirements

Plans

  

Seniority

Premiums

  

Postretirement

Medical

Services

Net transition obligation

   Ps. 48    Ps. 1    Ps. 5

Prior service cost

     48      —        —  

Net actuarial loss

     2      1      7
                    
   Ps. 98    Ps. 2    Ps. 12
                    

 

l) Kaiser Minority Acquisition:

As mentioned in Note 6a), in 2006 FEMSA Cerveza indirectly acquired an additional equity interest in Kaiser. According to Mexican FRS Bulletin B-7, this is a transaction between shareholders that does not impact the net assets of the Company, and the payment in excess of the book value of the shares acquired is recorded in stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital. Under US GAAP, SFAS No. 141, purchases of minority interest represent a “step acquisition” that must be recorded by the purchase method, whereby the purchase price is allocated to the proportionate fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. As of December 31, 2006 the purchase price allocation for this acquisition has not been completed, and the allocation period is open. The Company does not anticipate recognizing any goodwill as a result of this acquisition.

 

m) Minority Interest:

Under Mexican FRS, the minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries is presented as a separate component within stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Under U.S. GAAP, this item must be excluded from consolidated stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the minority interest in the net earnings of consolidated subsidiaries is excluded from consolidated net income.

The U.S. GAAP adjustments shown in Note 28 a) and b) are calculated on a consolidated basis. Therefore, the minority interest effects are presented as a separate line item to obtain net income and stockholders’ equity.

The U.S. GAAP adjustments corresponding to FEMSA Cerveza’s minority interest, includes amounts until the date of acquisition of the FEMSA Cerveza minority interest in 2004 which represented a loss of Ps. 8 in 2004 (see Note 6).

 

n) FEMSA’s Minority Interest Acquisition:

In accordance with Mexican FRS, the Company applied the entity theory to the acquisition of the minority interest by FEMSA in May 1998, through an exchange offer. Accordingly, no goodwill was created as a result of such acquisition and the difference between the book value of the shares acquired by FEMSA and the FEMSA shares exchanged was recorded as additional paid-in capital. The direct out-of-pocket costs identified with the purchase of minority interest are treated as an additional purchase cost and included in other expenses.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the acquisition of minority interest must be accounted under the purchase method, using the market value of shares received by FEMSA in the exchange offer to determine the cost of the acquisition of such minority interest and the related goodwill. Under U.S. GAAP, the direct out-of-pocket costs identified with the purchase of minority interest are treated as additional goodwill.

Additionally, SFAS No. 142 requires the allocation of all goodwill to the related reporting units. The allocation of the goodwill generated by the previously mentioned acquisition of minority interest is as follows:

 

FEMSA Cerveza

   Ps. 10,216

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     4,581

FEMSA Comercio

     1,046

Other companies

     883
      
   Ps. 16,726
      

 

o) Earnings per Share:

At its annual general ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on March 29, 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved a three-for-one stock split in respect to all of its outstanding capital stock. Following the stock split, FEMSA’s total capital stock consists of 2,161,177,770 BD Units and 1,417,048,500 B Units. The stock split also resulted in a three-for-one stock split of the Company’s ADSs. The stock-split was conducted on a pro-rata basis in respect of all holders of record of the Company’s shares and ADSs as of May 25, 2007, and the ratio of voting and non-voting shares was maintained, thereby preserving the ownership structure as it was prior to the stock split.

Mexican FRS, Bulletin B-14 “Utilidad por acción” (Earnings per share) and SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share”, require that changes in common stock resulting from stock splits occurring after the close of the period but before issuance of the financial statements must reflect the per-share computations for those and any prior-period financial statements presented based on the new number of shares. Additionally, Mexican FRS, Bulletin A-7 “Presentación y Revelación” (Presentation and Disclosure) states that an entity should disclose the date financial statements were authorized for issuance and by whom and as a result they do not reflect events occurring after such date. FEMSA’s consolidated financial statements were approved and issued by its Board of Directors on February 23, 2007 (see Note 2).

As a result, under Mexican FRS, the consolidated financial statements do not include the effects of such stock split.

For US GAAP purposes, SFAS No.128 Earnings per Share is similar to Mexican Bulletin B-14; however EITF D-86, “Issuance of Financial Statements”, specifies that financial statements must consider all subsequent events up through the issuance date of the financial statements. This EITF clarifies that financial statements are “issued” as of the date they are distributed for general use and reliance in a form and format that complies with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and, in the case of annual financial statements, that contain an audit report that indicates that the auditors have complied with generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) in completing their audit. The significance of the date on which the financial statements are considered “issued” is that this is the date up to which subsequent events should be considered in terms of the potential effect on the financial statements and may result in adjustments to the financial statements. For U.S. GAAP purposes the financial statements were not considered issued as of May 25, 2007, given that the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm had not finalized procedures as required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).

As the Company’s U.S. GAAP financial information is not considered to be issued as of May 25, 2007, earnings-per-share has been retroactively restated to give effects to the stock split in accordance with SFAS No. 128.

 

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The following table present the original number of shares and the effects of the three for one stock split for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     Millions of Shares

Series “B”

   2006    2005    2004

Original

        

Number of shares

   3,082.14    3,082.14    2,737.74

Weighted average

   3,082.14    2,944.95    2,739.17

Split effect (3:1)

        

Number of shares

   9,246.42    9,246.42    8,213.22

Weighted average

   9,246.42    8,834.85    8,217.51

Series “D”

   2006    2005    2004

Original

        

Number of shares

   2,881.57    2,881.57    2,559.57

Weighted average

   2,881.57    2,753.38    2,561.00

Split effect (3:1)

        

Number of shares

   8,644.71    8,644.71    7,678.71

Weighted average

   8,644.71    8,260.14    7,683.00

 

p) Statement of Cash Flows:

Under Mexican FRS, the Company presents a consolidated statement of changes in financial position in accordance with Bulletin B-12, “Estado de Cambios en la Situación Financiera” (Statement of Changes in Financial Position), which identifies the generation and application of resources by the differences between beginning and ending financial statement balances in constant Mexican pesos. Bulletin B-12 also requires that monetary and foreign exchange gains and losses be treated as cash items for the determination of resources generated by operations.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company follows SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows,” which is presented in historical Mexican pesos, without the effects of inflation (see Note 27 p).

 

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q) Financial Information Under U.S. GAAP:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   2006    2005

ASSETS

     

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   Ps. 3,463    Ps. 6,432

Accounts receivable

     4,830      2,867

Inventories

     5,275      4,310

Recoverable taxes

     668      358

Other current assets

     652      591
             

Total current assets

     14,888      14,558
             

Investments in shares:

     

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     23,172      16,058

Other investments

     358      331

Property, plant and equipment

     30,022      27,036

Intangible assets

     32,697      27,909

Bottles and cases

     1,647      1,416

Other assets

     7,754      7,978
             

TOTAL ASSETS

   Ps. 110,538    Ps. 95,286
             

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current Liabilities:

     

Bank loans

   Ps. 2,399    Ps. 47

Interest payable

     156      79

Current maturities of long-term debt

     361      427

Suppliers

     6,847      4,907

Deferred tax liability

     434      1,362

Taxes payable

     1,519      980

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     2,562      1,922
             

Total current liabilities

     14,278      9,724
             

Long-Term Liabilities:

     

Bank loans and notes payable

     18,070      14,627

Deferred tax liability

     1,945      1,881

Labor liabilities

     2,904      2,062

Other liabilities

     1,935      872
             

Total long-term liabilities

     24,854      19,442
             

Total liabilities

     39,132      29,166

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     160      50

Stockholders’ equity

     71,246      66,070
             

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   Ps. 110,538    Ps. 95,286
             

 

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Consolidated Income Statements

   2006     2005     2004  

Net sales

   Ps. 72,558     Ps. 60,439     Ps. 53,101  

Other operating revenues

     401       310       443  
                        

Total revenues

     72,959       60,749       53,544  

Cost of sales

     42,462       35,268       29,373  
                        

Gross profit

     30,497       25,481       24,171  
                        

Operating expenses:

      

Administrative

     5,483       4,904       4,405  

Selling

     17,478       13,915       13,973  
                        
     22,961       18,819       18,378  
                        

Income from operations

     7,536       6,662       5,793  

Integral result of financing:

      

Interest expense

     (1,930 )     (1,783 )     (1,273 )

Interest income

     406       372       296  

Foreign exchange gain

     11       (14 )     25  

Gain on monetary position

     413       275       481  

Market value gain (loss) on ineffective portion of derivative financial instruments

     5       (89 )     —    
                        
     (1,095 )     (1,239 )     (471 )

Other expenses, net

     (287 )     (91 )     93  
                        

Income before income tax and tax on assets

     6,154       5,332       5,415  

Income tax and tax on assets

     1,955       1,661       722  
                        

Income before minority interest and affiliated companies

     4,199       3,671       4,693  

Minority interest in results of consolidated subsidiaries

     163       —         (505 )

Participation in affiliated companies:

      

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     2,332       2,125       2,830  

Other affiliated companies

     26       44       68  
                        
     2,358       2,169       2,898  
                        

Net income

   Ps. 6,720     Ps. 5,840     Ps. 7,086  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     333       (1,033 )     (224 )
                        

Comprehensive income

   Ps. 7,053     Ps. 4,807     Ps. 6,862  
                        

Net income per share (constant Mexican pesos) (1):

      

Per Series “B” share

   Ps. 0.34     Ps. 0.30     Ps. 0.40  

Per Series “D” share

     0.42       0.38       0.50  
                        

 


  (1) Reflects 3:1 stock split effective May 25, 2005 (see Note 27 O).

 

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Consolidated Cash Flows (1)

   2006     2005     2004  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   Ps. 6,720     Ps. 5,840     Ps. 7,086  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

      

Minority interest

     (163 )     —         505  

Inflation effect

     (463 )     (325 )     (671 )

Depreciation

     2,080       1,930       1,776  

Amortization

     2,416       1,998       1,919  

Participation in affiliated companies

     (2,332 )     (2,077 )     (2,695 )

Deferred income taxes

     (383 )     (367 )     (605 )

Other non-cash charges

     1,332       586       274  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of business acquisitions:

      

Working capital investment

     (3,026 )     357       (661 )

Dividends received from Coca-Cola FEMSA

     317       283       238  

Recoverable taxes, net

     (481 )     (547 )     (691 )

Interest payable

     80       (5 )     56  

Labor obligations

     (366 )     (168 )     306  
                        

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

     5,731       7,505       6,837  
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Acquisition of Coca-Cola FEMSA minority interest

     (4,601 )     —         —    

Acquisitions by FEMSA Cerveza, net of cash acquired

     (1,711 )     —         —    

Property, plant and equipment

     (3,091 )     (2,169 )     (1,798 )

Other assets

     (3,091 )     (3,002 )     (2,304 )

Bottles and cases

     (95 )     (57 )     (111 )

Investment in shares

     7       —         —    

Acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza minority interest

     —         —         (14,694 )
                        

Net cash flows used in investing activities

     (12,582 )     (5,228 )     (18,907 )
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Bank loans obtained

     6,229       16       17,043  

Bank loans paid

     (604 )     (5,982 )     (5,529 )

Issuance of capital stock

     —         7,644       —    

Dividends declared and paid

     (986 )     (660 )     (531 )

Derivative financial instruments

     (498 )     (221 )     (377 )

Other financing activities

     6       (80 )     (162 )
                        

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

     4,147       717       10,444  
                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (15 )     (32 )     (104 )

Cash and cash equivalents:

      

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,719 )     2,962       (1,730 )

Initial balance

     6,182       3,220       4,950  
                        

Ending balance

   Ps. 3,463     Ps. 6,182     Ps. 3,220  
                        

Supplemental cash flow information:

      

Interest paid

   Ps. 1,804     Ps. 2,033     Ps. 1,153  

Income tax and tax on assets paid

     2,463       2,150       2,130  
                        

 

 
  (1) Expressed in millions of historical Mexican pesos.

 

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

   2006     2005  

Stockholders’ equity at the beginning of the year

   Ps. 66,070     Ps. 53,814  

Increase in capital stock

     —         8,153  

Dividends declared and paid

     (1,017 )     (704 )

SFAS No. 158 adjustment

     (860 )     —    

Other comprehensive income (loss):

    

Derivative financial instruments

     (151 )     (136 )

Additional labor liability over unrecognized net transition obligation

     24       (40 )

Cumulative translation adjustment

     (103 )     (110 )

Result of holding non-monetary assets

     563       (747 )
                

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     333       (1,033 )

Net income

     6,720       5,840  
                

Stockholders’ equity at the end of the year

   Ps. 71,246     Ps. 66,070  
                

Note 28. Reconciliation of Mexican FRS to U.S. GAAP.

 

a) Reconciliation of Net Income:

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Net majority income under Mexican FRS

   Ps. 6,622     Ps. 5,766     Ps. 6,411  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

      

Restatement of prior year financial statements

     —         8       (140 )

Participation in Coca-Cola FEMSA (Note 27 a)

     13       (55 )     175  

Start-up expenses (Note 27 e)

     (14 )     (21 )     (25 )

Intangible assets and goodwill (Note 27 f)

     —         —         15  

Restatement of imported machinery and equipment (Note 27 g)

     (54 )     (28 )     (14 )

Capitalization of the integral result of financing (Note 27 h)

     (48 )     (44 )     (25 )

Derivative financial instruments (Note 27 i)

     —         101       77  

Deferred income taxes (Note 27 j)

     50       142       544  

Deferred employee profit sharing (Note 27 j)

     143       240       106  

Labor liabilities (Note 27 k)

     5       (269 )     (30 )

Minority interest (Note 27 m)

     3       —         (8 )
                        

Total U.S. GAAP adjustments

     98       74       675  
                        

Net income under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 6,720     Ps. 5,840     Ps. 7,086  
                        

Under U.S. GAAP, the monetary position effect of the income statement adjustments is included in each adjustment, except for the capitalization of the integral result of financing, intangible assets and goodwill as well as pension plan liabilities, which are non-monetary.

 

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b) Reconciliation of Stockholders’ Equity:

 

     2006     2005  

Majority stockholders’ equity under Mexican FRS

   Ps. 54,220     Ps. 50,027  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

    

Restatement of prior year financial statements

     —         (238 )

Participation in Coca-Cola FEMSA (Note 27 a)

     (7 )     (1 )

Start-up expenses (Note 27 e)

     (190 )     (176 )

Intangible assets and goodwill (Note 27 f)

     52       52  

Restatement of imported machinery and equipment (Note 27 g)

     421       586  

Capitalization of the integral result of financing (Note 27 h)

     348       396  

Deferred income taxes (Note 27 j)

     497       120  

Deferred employee profit sharing (Note 27 j)

     (626 )     (894 )

Labor liabilities (Note 27 k)

     (1,621 )     (326 )

Acquisition of Coca-Cola FEMSA minority interest

     1,551       —    

Acquisition of Kaiser minority interest (Note 27 l)

     77       —    

FEMSA’s minority interest acquisition (Note 27 n)

     16,524       16,524  
                

Total U.S. GAAP adjustments

     17,026       16,043  
                

Stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 71,246     Ps. 66,070  
                

 

c) Reconciliation of Comprehensive Income:

 

     2006    2005    2004

Majority comprehensive income under Mexican FRS

   Ps. 6,838    Ps. 4,254    Ps. 5,991

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

        

Net income (Note 28 a)

     98      74      675

Derivative financial instruments

     —        325      115

Result of holding non-monetary assets

     117      154      81
                    

Comprehensive income under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 7,053    Ps. 4,807    Ps. 6,862
                    

Note 29. Future Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet in Effect.

 

a) Mexican FRS:

During 2006, the following new accounting standards were issued under Mexican FRS, the application of which is required as indicated. Except as noted below, the Company will adopt these standards as of January 1, 2007 and does not anticipate that these new standards will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position or net income.

 

   

“Income Statement”, or NIF B-3

This standard sets the general standards for presenting and structuring the statement of income, the minimum content requirements and general disclosure standards. Consistent with NIF A-5, Basic Elements of Financial Statements, NIF B-3 now classifies revenues, costs and expenses, into ordinary and non-ordinary. Ordinary items (even if not frequent) are derived from the primary activities representing and entity’s main source of revenues. Non-ordinary items are derived from activities other than those representing an entity’s main source of revenues. Consequently, the classification of certain transactions as special or extraordinary, according to former Bulletin B-3, was eliminated. As part of the structure of the statement of income, ordinary items should be presented first and, at a minimum, present income or loss before income taxes, income or loss before discontinued operations, if any, and net income or loss. Presenting operating income is neither required nor prohibited by NIF B-3. Cost and expense items may be classified by function, by nature, or a combination of both. When classified by function, gross income may be presented. Statutory employee profit sharing should now be presented as an ordinary expense (within other income (expense) pursuant to NIF No. 4 issued in January 2007) and no longer presented with income tax. Special items mentioned in particular Mexican FRS should now be part of other income and expense and items formerly recognized as extraordinary should be part of non-ordinary items. NIF B-3 is effective for years beginning on January 1, 2007.

 

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“Subsequent Events”, or NIF B-13

This standard requires that for (i) asset and liability restructurings and (ii) creditor waivers to their right to demand payment in case the entity defaults on contractual obligations, occurring in the period between the date of the financial statements and the date of their issuance, only disclosure needs to be included in a note to the financial statements while recognition of these items should take place in the financial statements of the period in which such events take place. Previously, these events were recognized in the financial statements instead in addition to their disclosure. NIF A-7, Presentation and Disclosure, in effect as of January 1, 2006, requires, among other things, that the date on which the issuance of the financial statements is authorized be disclosed as well as the name of authorizing management officer(s) or body (bodies). NIF B-13 establishes that if the entity owners or others are empowered to modify the financial statements, such fact should be disclosed. Subsequent approval of the financial statements by the stockholders or other body does not change the subsequent period, which ends when issuance of the financial statements is authorized. NIF B-13 is effective for years beginning on January 1, 2007.

 

   

“Related Parties”, or NIF C-13

This standard broadens the concept “related parties” to include a) the overall business in which the reporting entity participates; b) close family members of key officers; and c) any fund created in connection with a labor-related compensation plan. NIF C-13 requires the following disclosures: a) that the terms and conditions of consideration paid or received in transactions carried out between related parties are equivalent to those of similar transactions carried out between independent parties and the reporting entity, only if sufficient evidence exists; b) benefits granted to key officers; and c) name of the direct controlling company and, if different, name of the ultimate controlling company. Notes to comparative financial statements of prior periods should disclose the new provisions of NIF C-13. NIF C-13 is effective for years beginning on January 1, 2007.

 

   

“Capitalization of Integral Result of Financing”, or NIF D-6

This standard establishes general capitalization standards that include specific accounting for financing in domestic and foreign currencies or a combination of both. Some of these standards include: a) mandatory capitalization of integral result of financing (“RIF”) directly attributable to the acquisition of qualifying assets; b) in the instance financing in domestic currency is used to acquire assets, yields obtained from temporary investments before the capital expenditure is made are excluded from the amount capitalized; c) exchange gains or losses from foreign currency financing should be capitalized considering the valuation of associated hedging instruments, if any; d) a methodology to calculate capitalizable RIF relating to funds from generic financing; e) regarding land, RIF may be capitalized if development is taking place; and f) conditions that must be met to capitalize RIF, and rules indicating when RIF should no longer be capitalized. NIF D-6 is effective for years beginning on January 1, 2007.

 

b) U.S. GAAP:

The following new accounting standards have been issued under U.S. GAAP, the application of which is required as indicated. Except as noted below, the Company does not anticipate that those new standards will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

   

“Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an amendment of FAB Statement No. 133 and 140”, or SFAS No. 155

This statement amends SFAS No.133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and No.140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. SFAS No. 133 establishes the following: a) permits fair value re-measurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, b) clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to SFAS No. 133 requirements, c) establishes requirements to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation, d) clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives, e) amends SFAS No. 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. This Statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

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“Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets – an amendment of FAB Statement No. 140”, or SFAS No. 156

This statement amends SFAS No.140, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities and establishes that entities must recognize servicing assets or servicing liabilities each time they undertake an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a servicing contract in some specific situations. This Statement also requires recognizing separately servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable; and also permits an entity to choose either the amortization method or the fair value measurement method to recognize servicing assets and servicing liabilities. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

   

“Fair Value Measurements”, or SFAS No. 157

This statement establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 clarifies the definition of exchange price as the price between market participants in an orderly transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability in the market in which the reporting entity would transact for the asset or liability, that is, the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The changes to current practice resulting from the application of this statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

   

“Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”, or SFAS No. 158

This statement requires companies to (1) fully recognize, as an asset or liability, the over funded or under funded status of defined pension and other postretirement benefit plans; (2) recognize changes in the funded status through other comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur; (3) measure the funded status of defined pension and other postretirement benefit plans as of the date of the company’s fiscal year-end; and (4) provide enhanced disclosures. The provisions of this statement are effective for an employer with publicly traded equity securities, or controlled subsidiaries of such companies, in fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. In addition, a company must now measure the fair value of its plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. A company is no longer permitted to measure the funded status of its plan(s) by being able to choose a measurement date up to three months prior to year end. This provision within the standard is effective for all companies in fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, however this provision does not impact the Company as its measurement date is the same as its fiscal year end. There is no impact on results of operations or cash flows. Retrospective application of this standard is not permitted. The impact of adopting the provisions of this statement that apply to the Company’s December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements is disclosed in Note 28.

 

   

“Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FAB Statement No. 109, or SFAS Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48

This interpretation provides detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No.109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN No. 48 requires a company to recognize the financial statement impact of a tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax effect is recognized at the largest amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Any difference between the tax position taken in the tax return and the tax position recognized in the financial statements using the criteria above results in the recognition of a liability in the financial statements for the unrecognized benefit. Similarly, if a tax position fails to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit taken in tax return will also result in the recognition of a liability in the financial statements for the full amount of the unrecognized benefit. FIN No. 48 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 (including the first interim period for calendar year companies) and the provisions of FIN No. 48 will be applied to all tax positions under SFAS No. 109 upon initial adoption. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this interpretation will be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for that fiscal year. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

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“How Taxes Are Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement”, or EITF Issue No. 06-3

The scope of this issue includes any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes. The Task Force reached a tentative conclusion that the presentation of taxes mentioned above on either a gross (included in revenues and costs) or a net (excluded from revenues) basis is an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed pursuant to Opinion 22. In addition, for any such taxes that are reported on a gross basis, a company should disclose the amounts of those taxes in interim and annual financial statements for each period for which an income statement is presented if those amounts are significant. The disclosure of those taxes can be done on an aggregate basis. This tentative conclusion requires only the presentation of additional disclosures, as a result an entity would not be required to reevaluate its existing policies related to taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer. However, it a company chooses to reevaluate its existing policies and elects to change the presentation of taxes within the scope of this Issue must follow the requirements of Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.” The Task Force also reached a tentative conclusion that this Issue should be applied to financial reports for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006. Earlier application is permitted. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Note 30. Relevant Events.

On December 19, 2006, Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company reached a definitive agreement to acquire Jugos del Valle, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Jugos del Valle”) in a transaction valued at $470, including debt of $90 as of December 31, 2006. Jugos del Valle produces and sells fruit juices, beverages and other fruit products. The Company is based in Mexico but markets its products internationally, particularly in Brazil and the United States.

On June 25, 2007, the Comisión Federal de Competencia of Mexico (CFC), or the Mexican Antitrust Commission, notified the Company of its decision to object to the acquisition of Jugos del Valle. The Company intend to consider our options, which may include seeking a reconsideration of the decision.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders of

FEMSA COMERCIO, S.A. de C.V.

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of FEMSA COMERCIO, S.A. de C.V. and Subsidiaries (a wholly-owned subsidiary of FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A. de C.V.) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and changes in financial position for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 (not presented separately herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Mexico and in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of FEMSA COMERCIO, S.A. de C.V. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and the changes in their financial position for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with Mexican financial reporting standards , which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, as described in Notes 20 and 21 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Mancera, S. C.,

A Member Practice of

Ernst & Young Global

/s/ Aldo Villarreal Robledo
C.P.C. Aldo Villarreal Robledo

San Pedro Garza García, N.L., Mexico

June 25, 2007

 

F-55

Amended and Restated Bylaws

Exhibit 1.1

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION

BY-LAWS OF FOMENTO ECONOMICO MEXICANO, S.A.B DE C.V.

ARTICLE 1. NAME. The company shall be named “FOMENTO ECONOMICO MEXICANO”, and this name shall always be followed by the words “SOCIEDAD ANONIMA BURSATIL DE CAPITAL VARIABLE” or their abbreviation, “S.A.B. de C.V.”.

ARTICLE 2. CORPORATE PURPOSE. The purpose of the company is:

a). To incorporate, organize, promote, and establish all types of commercial and civil companies and associations, and acquire any type of shares or interest thereon.

b). To acquire, own and sell any bonds, shares, interest, or a participation in or any type of securities, as well as alienating and negotiating those securities or participation and in general to execute any type of transactions with securities.

c). To provide or receive advising services, consulting or other services regarding, industrial, accounting, financial, legal and tax matters, as well as any other matters concerning the promotion or management of companies.

d). To acquire, build, produce, import, dispose, export and, in general, negotiate with any type of industrial equipment, supplies or any other necessary elements for the pursuit of its corporate purpose or of its subsidiaries or the companies with which it has commercial relation.

e). To solicit, obtain, register, purchase, lease, assign, or in any other way use and dispose of trademarks, patents, trade names, copyrights, inventions and processes.

f). To acquire, build, lease or by any other means possess and operate all types of fixed or movable assets as well as real estate, which might be necessary or convenient to the company’s corporate purpose, as and to establish or by any other means to possess plants, workshops, warehouses, facilities, offices and agencies as well as any property necessary to pursue the company’s corporate purpose.


g). To draw, accept, subscribe, endorse or guarantee any securities; to issue bonds with or without specific guarantees, become joint and several debtor or guarantor in any form permitted by law, with respect to obligations of the company or contracted by third parties.

h). In general, to carry out all types of trade actions and execute all types of contracts and agreements, as well as transactions of any type that are convenient to pursue the aforementioned purposes.

ARTICLE 3. DURATION. The duration of the company shall be 99 (ninety nine) years, beginning on May 30, 1936, which is the date of inscription of the charter of incorporation of the company in the Public Register of Commerce, and therefore will end on the same date on the year 2035.

ARTICLE 4. DOMICILE. The domicile of the company is Monterrey, N.L., which domicile shall not be deemed to have changed if the company establishes branches or offices in any other place within the Mexican Republic or abroad.

ARTICLE 5. NATIONALITY. The company is Mexican. Any foreigner, that at the time of incorporation of the company or thereafter acquires a participation or becomes the owner of one or more shares of the company shall be considered as Mexican with respect to that participation or ownership, and may not invoke the protection of its own government. Failure to comply with the foregoing paragraph may result in the forfeiture of such participation or ownership in favor of the Mexican State.

ARTICLE 6. CAPITAL STOCK. a). The capital stock is variable. The minimum fixed capital that may not to be withdrawn shall be the amount of $300,000,000 (Three Hundred Million Pesos). The variable portion of the capital stock shall be unlimited. All shares shall be registered, freely subscribable shares, none of which will have a face value.

 

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b). The shares of the capital stock of the company shall be divided into the following series: (i) series “B” shares, which shall consist of common, ordinary shares with full voting rights, (ii) series “L” shares with limited voting rights, and (iii) series “D” shares with limited voting rights, and which shall have the right to receive a superior non-accumulative dividend as follows:

For a term of 10 (ten) years, counted from the date of its first issuance, the Series D Shares shall grant its holders the right to receive a non-accumulative superior dividend equivalent to a 125% (one hundred twenty five percent) of the dividend that corresponds to the ordinary Series B shares.

c). Series “B” shares, shall at all times represent at least 51% of the capital stock of the company; series “L” shares may represent up to 25% of the capital stock of the company; and, series “D” shares, either individually or together with the series “L” shares may represent up to 49% of the capital stock of the company. Series “D” shares may de divided in sub-series “D-L” representing up to 25% of the capital stock, and sub-series “D-B” which may represent the remaining outstanding series “D” shares.

d). All outstanding series “D” shares shall be exchanged automatically after 10 years of the date of their first issuance into limited voting series “L” shares, and series “B” shares as follows: The sub-series “D-L” shares shall be exchanged for series “L” shares and the sub-series “D-B” shares shall be exchanged for ordinary series “B” shares. Once the sub-series “D-L” and “D-B” shares are converted, the capital stock of the Company shall be represented by ordinary series B shares, which will represent at least 75% of the capital stock, and by limited voting series “L” shares, which could represent up to 25% of the capital stock of the Company.

e). Shareholders of the series “D” and “L” shares shall only have the right to vote at extraordinary shareholders’ meetings dealing with the following matters: (i) transformation of the company, but not transformation from a company with variable capital stock to a company without variable capital stock or vice versa, (ii) merger of the company when the company is not the surviving entity, or mergers with other companies where those companies have different corporate purpose than the company or its subsidiaries, (iii) change

 

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of nationality, (iv) dissolution and liquidation and (v) cancellation of the registration of the series “L” shares or series “D” shares in The National Register of Securities and in other foreign stock markets where listed, except in the case of conversion of such shares as provided herein. The holders of series “D” or “L” shares shall have the right to designate board members in accordance with the provisions of article 25 of these by-laws.

f). The shareholders of series “L” shares and series “D” shares shall not have the right to determine the management of the company or its investments, and shall only have those voting rights as specified in paragraph f) above,

g). The company may authorize the issuance of series “B” shares or series “D” shares or any of its sub-series in stapled units as follows: (i) “B” Units, consisting of 5 series “B” shares or its multiples, or (ii) “BD Units”, consisting of 1 series “B” share, 2 sub-series “D-L” shares and 2 sub-series “D-B” shares.

The Stapled Units shall be separated after 10 years from the date of their first issuance. Upon its separation, the shares forming stapled units shall be exchanged, in the case of B Units for the corresponding series B shares and in the case of BD Units for the corresponding series L and B shares.

Any shares issued by the company forming Stapled Units, shall be sold, assigned, pledged, transferred or otherwise disposed of exclusively as Stapled Units and in multiples of 5 shares series “B” in the case of B Units; or, 1 series “B” shares with 2 sub-series “D-L” and 2 sub-series “D-B” shares in the case of BD Units.

Series “D” and Series “L” shareholders shall also be entitled to vote in the matters expressly approved by the Securities Market Law.

ARTICLE 7. ISSUANCE OF SHARES WITH LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS. The limited voting series “D” and “L” shares as provided herein, shall be considered as neutral investment and shall not be calculated for the purpose of determining the amount and proportion of participation of the foreign investors in the capital of the company as permitted by the provisions of The Law of Foreign Investment and its regulations, they shall be considered

 

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to be issued in accordance with the applicable provisions of The Securities Market Law and the corresponding authorizations; shall not be subject to the restrictions of article 198 of The General Law of Commercial Companies, and shall have the limitations on corporate rights mentioned herein.

ARTICLE 8. INCREASES OR REDUCTIONS OF CAPITAL STOCK. Increases or reductions to the minimum fixed portion of the capital stock and the resulting modification of clause third of the charter of organization and of article 6 of these by-laws shall be made by resolution of the extraordinary general shareholders meeting. In addition, in accordance with article 53 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, it will be matter for the extraordinary shareholders meeting, any capital increase approved by means of issuance of non-subscribed shares kept in treasury of the Company.

Increases or reductions of the variable portion of the capital stock shall be made by the resolution of the ordinary general shareholders meeting.

ARTICLE 9. INCREASES OF CAPITAL STOCK BY ISSUANCE OR PLACEMENT OF SHARES. The company may increase the variable part of its capital stock by issuing new shares or placing shares kept in treasury for that purpose. In the case of increases of capital stock with new shares to be paid in cash, the shareholders shall have preference to subscribe the new shares that are issued in proportion to the number of shares that they hold within the respective series. In accordance with Article 53 of the Securities Market Law, and regarding treasury shares, such shares shall only be subscribed by means of a public offer.

The right of preference must be exercised within the 15 calendar days beginning the date of publication of the corresponding notice in the Official State Gazette of the corporate domicile.

In the event that following the expiration of the term during which the shareholders shall exercise the right of preference granted in this article, not all of the shares would have been subscribed, such shares may be offered for subscription and payment, under the terms and conditions determined by the meeting that approved the capital stock increase, or under the terms established by the board of directors or the delegates appointed by the meeting for such purpose.

 

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The right of preference referred to in this article shall not be applicable with respect to shares that are issued or held in the treasury which are to be used for: (i) merger of the company; (ii) conversion of obligations issued in accordance with The General Law of Credit Securities and Transactions; (iii), public offerings pursuant to article 53, 56 and other applicable provisions of the Securities Market Law, (iv) capital stock increases to be paid in kind or with cancellation of debt owed by the company, and (v) placement of shares of the company acquired by the same company.

ARTICLE 10. WITHDRAWAL OF SHARES. In accordance with the provisions of article 50 of the Securities Market Law, shares representing the variable portion of the capital stock shall not have the withdrawal rights referred to in article 220 of the General Law of Commercial Companies.

ARTICLE 11. ACQUISITION OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY. The company may acquire shares representative of its own capital stock in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Market Law and with the regulations of The National Banking and Securities Commission.

ARTICLE 12. LIMITATIONS FOR CONTROLLED ENTITIES TO ACQUIRE SHARES OF THE COMPANY. In accordance with Article 56 of the Securities Market Law, companies controlled by the Company shall not acquire, directly or indirectly, shares of stock issued by the Company or other securities representing such shares. It will be exempted from this rule, acquisitions made by investment companies (sociedades de Inversión).

ARTICLE 13. REGISTER OF CHANGES IN THE CAPITAL STOCK. The company shall register all increases and decreases of its capital stock in its register for capital stock changes.

ARTICLE 14. AMORTIZATION OF SHARES. The company may redeem shares of part of its capital stock with available profits in accordance with the following rules:

a). The extraordinary shareholders’ meeting shall authorize the redemption.

 

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b). Only fully paid shares may be redeemed.

c). The acquisition of shares to be redeemed shall be made in accordance with article 136 of The General Law of Commercial Companies.

d). No redemption of shares shall be made if, as a consequence thereof, the series “D” and/or series “L” shares exceed the maximum percentages established by article 6 of these by-laws.

e). Amortized shares shall be null and the corresponding certificates shall be canceled.

ARTICLE 15. TITLES AND CERTIFICATES. The definitive or provisional certificates representing the shares or the stapled units shall be nominative, and may cover one or more shares of the same or different series or sub-series; they shall contain the references specified in article 125 of The General Law of Commercial Companies; they shall identify the series or sub-series to which they belong; and they shall contain the text of article 5 of these by-laws and shall be signed by any two series “B” members or alternate members of the board of directors.

The signatures of the directors may be manual or facsimile thereof. When facsimile signatures are used, the original of the respective signatures shall be deposited with The Public Register of Commerce of the corporate domicile. The definitive share certificates shall have attached the serial numbered coupons determined by the board of directors.

The shareholders meeting approving the respective capital stock increase or the extraordinary shareholders meeting may resolve that any shares of any series or sub-series may be represented by stapled units, that without being ordinary, non-redeemable certificates of participation, may represent units and aggregate shares from the same series or from different series, in accordance with article 6 above.

ARTICLE 16. REGISTER OF SHARES. The company shall have a register of shares, and shall only consider as shareholders those appearing in such register.

 

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ARTICLE 17. CANCELLATION OF INSCRIPTION OF SHARES. In the event of the cancellation of the inscription of the shares of the company in the National Register of Securities, either by the request of the Company with the prior consent of the extraordinary shareholders meeting and the favorable vote of the shareholders, including the shareholders with restricted votes or non-voting shares, representing 95% of the capital stock outstanding, or by a resolution of the National Banking and Securities Commission, in both cases, in accordance with the provisions of article 108 of the Securities Market Law, the Company shall effect, prior to such cancellation, a tender offer subject to the provisions of the Securities Market Law.

The Company shall affect in a trust for a period of at least 6 months from the cancellation of the shares, the necessary resources to acquire at the same price than during the tender offer, the shares of stock from the shareholders that did not participate in the tender offer.

In order to comply with the provisions of the Securities Market Law, the board of directors of the Company shall disclose to the public, its opinion with respect to the price of the tender offer.

ARTICLE 18. MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS. The general shareholders meeting is the highest governing body of the company. Shareholders meetings may be ordinary, extraordinary or special, and they will be held at the company’s domicile.

Extraordinary meetings shall be those that are called to address:

(a) any of the matters specified in article 182 of The General Law of Commercial Companies (with the exception of increases or reductions in the variable portion of the capital stock, pursuant to article 8 hereof) and 228 bis of The General Law of Commercial Companies;

(b) the cancellation of the inscription of shares of the company in The Securities Section of The National Register of Securities or in any other domestic or foreign stock markets on which they may be registered.

 

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(c) The amortization by the Company of shares of its capital stock with distributable earnings and, if applicable, issuance of working shares (acciones de goce).

(d) Capital increase in accordance with article 53 of the Securities Market Law; and

(e) Any other matter in which applicable law or these by-laws require a special quorum.

All other meetings shall be ordinary. The ordinary shareholders meeting, in addition to the provisions of the General Law of Commercial Companies, will gather to approve any transaction to be entered by the Company or its control entities, within one fiscal year, if such transaction represents 20% or more of the consolidated assets of the Company based on the amounts corresponding to the end of the immediately ended quarter, regardless of the way such transactions are structured, either simultaneously or successive, but can be construed as one transaction. In such shareholders meeting, restricted or non-voting shares shall be entitled to vote during such meetings.

Special meetings shall be those that are held to address matters that could affect the rights of a particular series of shares.

ARTICLE 19. TIME AND PLACE FOR THE MEETINGS. The shareholders meetings shall be held at the corporate domicile whenever called by the board of directors, Directors through its secretary or alternate secretary; the audit and the corporate practices committees, through their respective chairman, can call a shareholders meeting.

Shareholders holding voting shares, including restricted voting shares, that individually or collectively hold 10% or more of the capital stock outstanding will be entitled to require the chairman of the board, the chairman of the audit committee or the chairman of the corporate practices committee, to call a shareholders meeting, and the percentage set forth in article 184 of the General Law of Commercial Companies shall not be applicable.

The ordinary shareholders meeting shall be held at least once a year, whenever called by the board of directors within the first four months following the end of the fiscal year.

 

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The shareholders meeting shall be held at the request of the shareholders in any of the cases referred to in articles 184 and 185 of The General Law of Commercial Companies, and other applicable provisions of the Securities Market Law.

ARTICLE 20. SUMMONS. The first calls for shareholders’ meetings shall be published in the Official State Gazette of the corporate domicile or at least in one of the newspapers with a broad circulation in said domicile, at least 15 days prior to the date set for the meeting and with at least 8 days on second or subsequent call.

The notices for shareholders’ meetings shall comply with the requirements of articles 186 and 187 of The General Law of Commercial Companies, and the applicable requirements of the Securities Market Law.

ARTICLE 21. ATTENDANCE RIGHTS. To obtain the entrance ticket to attend the meetings, the shareholders must be registered in the shareholders’ registry of the company, and shall deposit their shares with the secretary of the company, at least 48 hours prior to the time set for the meeting to be held. For shares deposited with institutions for the deposit of securities, where shares may be deposited, such institutions shall communicate to the secretary of the company the number of shares deposited by each one of the depositors, indicating if the shares are deposited at its own name or of any third party, such communication must be accompanied with the list of names of the depositors that have accounts in such institution for the deposit of securities; such list must be delivered to the secretary of the company within the above-mentioned time frame, with the purpose of obtaining an entrance ticket to attend the meeting. Shareholders may be represented in the meetings by a person or persons appointed by them by a power of attorney issued in the formats that meet the requirements set forth in the Securities Market Law, which shall be received by the secretary of the company within the time specified above.

Shares deposited to attend the shareholders meetings, shall be returned after the meetings are held, against delivery to the company of the receipt issued to the shareholder.

 

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ARTICLE 22. ATTENDANCE-QUORUM AND RESOLUTIONS. The shareholders’ meetings shall have the following quorum and resolution rules:

a). The ordinary shareholders meetings shall be deemed to be legally held on a first call if, more than 50% of the series “B” shares are represented therein, and in the case of second or subsequent call, ordinary shareholders meetings shall be validly held whatever number of series “B” shares are present. The resolutions of the ordinary shareholders meeting shall be valid when approved by at least the majority of the subscribed and fully paid series “B” shares represented in the meeting.

b). The extraordinary shareholders meetings shall be deemed legally held on first call to address matters on which series “D” shares and series “L” shares do not have the right to vote, if at least seventy-five percent of the series “B” shares are represented therein and in the case of second or subsequent calls if at least the majority of the series “B” shares are represented therein.

In both cases, the resolutions of the extraordinary shareholders meeting shall be valid when approved by, at least the majority of the series “B” shares.

c). The extraordinary shareholders’ meeting called to address matters on which series “D” or “L” shares have the right to vote shall be deemed to be legally held on first notice, if at least  3/4 of the fully paid and subscribed shares of the total capital stock are represented therein and in the case of second or subsequent notices, if at least the majority of the fully paid and subscribed shares of the total capital stock are represented therein.

The resolutions shall be valid in both cases, when approved by the vote of the majority of the shares of the total capital stock.

d). The special shareholders meetings (including those meetings called to appoint series “D” or series “L” directors) shall follow the same rules applicable by this article 22, to extraordinary shareholders meetings, but referred exclusively to the applicable series of shares.

 

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e). The ordinary shareholders meetings to deal with the approval of the financial statements for the previous fiscal year, shall also know of the reports referred to in Article 28 section IV of the Securities Market Law.

ARTICLE 23. MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS. Shareholders meetings shall be presided by the chairman of the board of directors and, in his absence, by the person that must take his place; or in the absence of both by the shareholder appointed by those shareholders attending the meeting. The secretary of the board shall act as secretary of the shareholders’ meeting or in his absence, the person appointed by the shareholders attending the meeting. The chairman shall appoint two of the shareholders attending the meeting to verify the attendance list. The votes shall be oral, unless 3 of the shareholders attending the meeting request that the votes be counted. Shareholders holding 10% of the shares outstanding (including shareholders of limited or restricted voting rights shares) shall have the right to request that the decision to a particular item in which they are not sufficiently informed be postponed for 3 days without need of an additional call and the percentage set forth in Article 199 of the General Law of Commercial Companies shall not be applicable. Such right shall only be exercised once for the same matter.

ARTICLE 24. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The administration of the Company shall be the responsibility of a board of directors and the chief executive officer. The board of directors shall be comprised of a maximum of 21 (twenty-one) members and the alternates designated in accordance with these by-laws, and at least 25% of the members of the board of directors shall be independent.

ARTICLE 25. APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS. The series “B” shareholders, by majority of such shares represented at the shareholders’ meeting shall appoint at least 11 (eleven) directors. Series “D” shareholders shall appoint 5 directors by the majority of the shares represented at the respective meeting. Upon exchange of the sub-series “D-L” shares into series “L” shares, pursuant to article 6 d) above, the series “L” shareholders shall have the right to appoint 2 directors by the majority of the shares represented at the respective meeting.

 

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The shareholders may designate alternate directors, which shall specifically cover the absences of the member of the board designated, in accordance to the applicable legal provisions.

The members of the board of directors shall hold their position for one year; however, in accordance with article 24 of the Securities Market Law, they shall continue in their duties notwithstanding the termination of their duty or have resigned, up to a term of 30 calendar days; if no substitution has been made or the designated person has not taken office, they will not be subject to the provisions of article 154 of the General Law of Commercial Companies. The members of the board and secretaries shall receive the compensation as the ordinary shareholders meeting determines, and shall have the rights and obligations set forth in the Securities Market Law and the General Law of Commercial Companies.

The board of directors shall be entitled to appoint interim members of the board, without need of intervention of the shareholders meeting, to cover the absences of any board members, or the appointed members has not taken office, and no alternate was appointed or such alternate has not taken office. The shareholders meeting shall ratify such appointments or shall designate a substitute director in the immediate following meeting after such event

ARTICLE 26. SUMMONS. The calls for the meetings of the board of directors (or the right to include any item of the agenda for the meeting) may be made by the Chairman of the Board, or by any of the presidents of the audit or corporate practices committees, or by at least 25% of the members of the board of directors, and shall be sent by mail, fax, messenger by any other means, to the members of the board of directors at least 7 days prior to the date of the meeting, and shall be signed by the chairman or by the secretary.

The external auditor may be called for meetings of the Board of Directors, and if called, the external auditor shall participate with voice, but shall have no vote.

ARTICLE 27. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS. The board of directors shall hold meetings at least once every 3 months. The appointing annual ordinary shareholders meeting or the board of directors in its first meeting after such shareholders’ meeting, shall appoint, from among the directors appointed by the series “B” shareholders a

 

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chairman and, if deemed appropriate a vice-chairman of the board of directors. In the same terms, it shall also appoint the secretary and alternate secretary, provided, however, that the secretary and its alternate shall be required to be non-directors. The board shall also appoint such officers as the board may deem convenient. The chairman of the board shall also be chairman at the shareholders’ meetings and shall be substituted in his absences by the vice-chairman, and in the absence of both by the other series “B” directors in the order of their appointment.

ARTICLE 28. QUORUM AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD. The meetings of the board of directors shall be considered legally held with the attendance of a majority of its members, and its resolutions shall be valid if approved by the majority of votes of the members present at the meeting.

Resolutions adopted outside of meetings shall be valid if adopted by unanimity of its members, and if the written resolutions thereof are signed by all of the members of the board or their alternates.

Minutes shall be taken for all meetings; same that shall be approved by at least the majority of the attending directors to the respective meeting, and shall be signed by the chairman and the secretary.

ARTICLE 29. POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The board of directors shall have the following powers and duties:

a). The broadest power for business and real estate administration, in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 2554 of The Federal Civil Code, and the corresponding articles of the Civil Code of the Federal District and the civil codes of the other states of the Mexican Federation.

b). The power for acts of ownership over all types of movable and immovable assets of the company as well as its real and corporate rights according to the terms of the third paragraph of Article 2554 of The Federal Civil Code, and the corresponding articles of the Civil Code of the Federal District and the civil codes of the other states of the Mexican Federation, and to grant guarantees of any kind for the obligations of the company, for any securities issued or accepted by third parties.

 

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c). The broadest power to represent the company before all types of administrative and judicial authorities, with either federal, state or municipal jurisdiction, as well as before labor authorities, arbitrators or amicable mediators, with all the general and special powers that require a special clause according to Law, which are conferred upon it without limitation, pursuant to the first paragraph of Article 2554 of The Federal Civil Code, and the corresponding articles of the Civil Code of the Federal District and the civil codes of the other states of the Mexican federation, to articulate and absolve depositions, and to renounce the right of filing amparo suits, and carry out all acts expressly determined by Law, among which are included to represent the corporation before judicial and administrative, criminal, civil or other authorities, with the power to present criminal complaints and accusations, grant pardons, to act as plaintiff or coadjuvant with the Public Ministry in criminal proceedings, before work authorities and courts.

d) The power to issue, subscribe, guarantee, and in any other manner trade all types of credit instruments and issue bonds with or without guarantees or collateral, and the power to invest any fixed, real estate or movable assets in any company and the power to subscribe shares, equity interests or participation in any company and generally to perform or execute any actions required for the performance of the corporate purpose of the company.

e) The power to subscribe any guarantee on behalf of the company as joint and several debtor or guarantor, to grant bails or any other payment guarantee of any type regarding any obligation contracted by the company or any third party as well as from any obligation arising from any securities issued or accepted by the company or any third party.

f). The power to approve, with the opinion of the competent committee, the appointment, selection and/or removal of the chief executive officer of the Company and its integral compensation, and the policies for the appointment and remuneration of the relevant officers, and establish their duties and responsibilities, and to form committees required by applicable law, these bylaws, or considered advisable, establishing the duties and manner of operation of such committees; if no procedures are established, such committees shall proceed in accordance with the rules set forth for the executive committee.

 

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g). The power to grant and revoke the powers deemed appropriate, with or without powers of substitution, including powers granted to the board of directors.

h). The power to execute all the resolutions of the shareholders meetings, and to perform all actions required or convenient for the better performance of the corporate purpose, so long as they are not reserved to the shareholders meeting by law or by these by-laws.

i) Any other power or duty set forth by these by-laws or the Securities Market Law.

ARTICLE 29 BIS. AUTHORITY AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. Day to day operations and execution of the business of the Company and its controlled entities shall be the responsibility of the chief executive officer, following the strategies, policies and guidelines approved the board of directors, having the authority, obligations and duties set forth in the Securities Market Law.

ARTICLE 30. GUARANTEE. The officers, secretaries and other administrators of the company shall not be required, to post a guarantee for the fulfillment of their duties. The latter unless the ordinary shareholders meeting deems it appropriate, or the board of directors in the case of officers and other executives designated by this body.

ARTICLE 31. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The company’s ordinary shareholders meeting may form any committee that is deemed convenient, and may appoint an executive committee, comprised of an odd number of members or alternates from the board of directors of the company, and which shall form an associated delegate body of the board. The general ordinary shareholders meeting or the board of directors may appoint an alternate for every member of the executive committee for the case of absences of any of the members. Members of the executive committee shall hold their positions for one year, unless they are relieved of their duties by the ordinary shareholders’ meeting, or the board of directors that appointed them, but in any event they shall remain in their positions for a term of thirty (30).

 

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calendar days or until the individuals appointed to succeed them take possession of the same; they may be reelected and shall receive compensation to be determined by the ordinary shareholders meeting or the board of directors.

The executive committee shall meet on the dates fixed in the first yearly meeting of the executive committee, in the understanding that it may be called by the secretary at the request of the chairman or any two of its members. The meetings shall be called and the committee shall be conducted following the same procedure that for meetings of the Board of Directors in accordance with articles 26 and 28 above, but referred to the executive committee.

In order for meetings of the executive committee to be valid, the presence of at least the majority of its members shall be required. Resolutions of the executive committee shall be approved by the favorable vote of a majority of its members that are present.

The chairman of the executive committee shall be one of its members and shall be appointed by the executive committee. In his absences the chairman shall be substituted by one of the members of the executive committee appointed thereby. The executive committee may appoint a secretary who may be the secretary of the board and who does not need to be a director. The external auditor may be invited to the meetings of the executive committee and may deliberate but they will not have the right to vote.

The executive committee shall have any of the powers granted to the board of directors under paragraphs a), b), c), d) and e) of article 29 above which shall not be delegated to any person, provided however that such committee is authorized to appoint representatives for the execution of certain specific acts.

The executive committee, through its chairman or its secretary, shall inform the board of directors of its resolutions in the next board meeting following such executive committee meeting, or whenever in the judgment of the executive committee there are facts or acts that are important to the company. For each meeting of the executive committee the secretary shall prepare the minutes that shall be transcribed into a special book. The minutes shall include the attendance list and the resolutions adopted and shall be signed by those individuals acting as chairman and as secretary.

 

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ARTICLE 32. SURVEILLANCE. The surveillance of the Company and its controlled entities shall be entrusted to the board of directors.

The board of directors, to comply with its surveillance duties, shall be assisted by the corporate practices and audit committees, and by the company hired to perform the external auditing services for the Company, each of them in accordance with their respective competence, as set forth in the Securities Market Law.

The corporate practices and audit committees shall perform the duties set forth in the Securities Market Law, and shall be integrated exclusively by independent directors, and each such committees shall be form by at least 3 board members designated by the shareholders meeting or by the board of directors, as proposed by the chairman of the board.

The chairpersons of the corporate practices and audit committees shall be designated and removed exclusively the shareholders meeting. Such chairpersons shall not be chairman of the board of directors, and shall be selected taken into consideration their experience, recognized capacity and professional prestige.

ARTICLE 33. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the company shall be of 12 months, beginning the first day of January and ending the last day of December of each year.

ARTICLE 34. PROFITS. The net profits of each fiscal year, after deduction of the necessary amounts for income tax and any amount that according to law shall de deducted or segregated shall be applied as follows:

a) Five percent shall be deducted to establish, increase or where appropriate replace the reserve fund, until said fund is equal to twenty percent of the paid capital stock.

b). The remainder shall be distributed as dividend proportionately to the shareholders pursuant to these by-laws, or if resolved by the shareholders’ meeting it shall be applied partially or

 

18


totally to create any reserve or fund that the shareholders’ meeting may resolve (including any reserve to acquire shares of its own capital stock in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Market Law).

ARTICLE 35. FOUNDERS. The founders of this company do not reserve any special participation in the profits of the company.

ARTICLE 36. LOSSES. Losses if any shall be reported by all shareholders in proportion to the number of their shares, taking into consideration the final part of article 87 of The General Law of Commercial Companies.

ARTICLE 37. ADVANCED DISSOLUTION. The company shall be dissolved in anticipation, in any of the cases contemplated in paragraphs II, III, IV and V of article 229 of The General Law of Commercial Companies.

ARTICLE 38. LIQUIDATOR. Once the company is dissolved, the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting shall appoint one or more liquidators, fixing the time limits for the liquidation and the compensation they will receive.

ARTICLE 39. LIQUIDATION PROCEDURE. The liquidators shall implement the liquidation pursuant to the resolutions of the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, and in the absence thereof, pursuant to the following rules:

a). They shall conclude the business in the manner that he deems the most convenient, collecting the amounts payable, paying the debts and selling the assets of the company that may be necessary for such purpose;

b). They shall prepare the final liquidation balance; and will present it to the extraordinary shareholders meeting for its approval;

c). In accordance with the financial statements approved by the extraordinary shareholders’ meetings, they shall distribute the liquid assets among all of the company’s shareholders as provided by these by-laws and the applicable laws, against surrender and cancellation of the corresponding shares certificates.

 

19


ARTICLE 40. FUNCTIONS OF THE LIQUIDATORS WITH RESPECT TO SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS. During the liquidation process the shareholders meeting shall meet in accordance with the chapter concerning the general shareholders meetings, and the liquidators shall have those duties and rights pertaining to the board of directors during the term of the company.

ARTICLE 41. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Any provisions not included in these by-laws, shall be subject to the provisions of the Securities Market Law and the General Law of Commercial Companies. The defined terms used in these by-laws and defined by the Securities Market Law, shall have the meanings set forth in such law.

 

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Shares Purchase Agreement, dated 11/03/2006

Exhibit 4.43

SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

among

COMPAÑÍA INTERNACIONAL DE BEBIDAS, S.A. DE C.V.,

THE INMEX CORPORATION,

and

DULUX CBEXINMEX 2003 B.V.

Dated as of November 3, 2006


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
  

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

  
1.1    Definitions    2
1.2    Other Definitional Provisions    4
1.3    Rules of Construction    4
  

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER OF SHARES

  
2.1    Transfer of Shares    4
2.2    Closing    5
  

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COCA-COLA PARTIES

  
3.1    Organization, Good Standing and Qualification    5
3.2    Corporate Power    5
3.3    Authorization and Enforceability    5
3.4    Ownership of the Shares    6
3.5    Filings, Consents and Approvals    6
3.6    No Conflicts    6
3.7    Brokers’ and Finders’ Fees    6
3.8    Litigation    6
3.9    Other Representations or Warranties    6
  

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS OF CIBSA

  
4.1    Organization and Qualification    7
4.2    Corporate Power    7
4.3    Authorization and Enforceability    7
4.4    Filings, Consents and Approvals    7
4.5    No Conflicts    7
4.6    Litigation    8
4.7    Brokers and Finders    8
4.8    Other Representations or Warranties    8
  

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES

  
5.1    Expenses    8


5.2    Filings; Other Action    8
5.3    Best Efforts    9
  

ARTICLE VI

CLOSING

  
6.1    Conditions to the Obligations of CIBSA    9
6.2    Conditions to the Obligations of the Coca-Cola Parties    10
  

ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION

  
7.1    Termination Prior to Closing    10
7.2    Effects of Termination    10
  

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

  
8.1    Right to Rely on Representations and Obligations    11
8.2    Indemnification by the Coca-Cola Parties    11
8.3    Indemnification by CIBSA    11
  

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

  
9.1    Entire Agreement; Amendments    12
9.2    Successors and Assigns    12
9.3    Headings    12
9.4    Notices    12
9.5    Governing Law; Interpretation    13
9.6    Resolution of Legal Disputes    13
9.7    No Third-Party Beneficiaries    14
9.8    Delays or Omissions    14
9.9    Severability    14
9.10    Counterparts    14

 

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SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2006 (the “Agreement”), by and among Compañía Internacional de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., a sociedad anónima de capital variable organized under the Laws (as defined below) of the United Mexican States (together with its successors and assigns, “CIBSA”), The INMEX Corporation, a corporation organized under the Laws of Florida (together with its successors and assigns, “INMEX”) and DULUX CBEXINMEX 2003 B.V., a private company with limited liability (besolten venootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) organized under the Laws of The Netherlands (together with its successors and assigns, “DULUX” and, together with INMEX, the “Coca-Cola Parties”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the authorized capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V., a sociedad anónima de capital variable organized under the Laws (as defined below) of the United Mexican States (“Coca-Cola FEMSA”) consists of Series A ordinary shares, with no par value (“Series A shares”), Series D ordinary shares, with no par value (“Series D shares”), and Series L limited voting rights shares, with no par value (“Series L shares” and, together with the Series A shares and Series D shares, the “Capital Stock”);

WHEREAS, CIBSA is the holder of record of 844,078,519 Series A shares, representing 45.71% of the Capital Stock and 53.57% of the voting stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA;

WHEREAS, INMEX beneficially owns 427,500,000 Series D shares representing 23.15% of the Capital Stock and 27.13% of the voting stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA and DULUX beneficially owns 129,101,996 Series D shares, representing 6.99% of the Capital Stock and 8.20% of the voting stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA;

WHEREAS, CIBSA desires to acquire from INMEX 18,898,004 Series D shares, and from DULUX 129,101,996 Series D shares, which represent, in the aggregate, the 148,000,000 Series D shares (the “Shares”) the Coca-Cola Parties desire to transfer to CIBSA, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, upon the Closing (as defined below), CIBSA will own all of the Shares.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements contained herein the parties hereby agree as follows:


ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that except, as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, neither CIBSA nor its respective Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any of the Coca-Cola Parties or their respective Subsidiaries and that none of the Coca-Cola Parties or their respective Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of CIBSA or its respective Subsidiaries.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Business Day” shall mean a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized by Law to close in New York City or Mexico City.

Capital Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Claims” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.

Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

Coca-Cola FEMSA” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Coca-Cola Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Contract” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.

Control” (including the terms “Controlling” and “Controlled by”) of a Person shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract or otherwise.

CIBSA” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

DULUX” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

DULUX Purchase Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(ii).

Encumbrance” shall mean any lien, mortgage, hypothecation, claim, charge, encumbrance, pledge or security interest, whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law.

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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Governmental Authority” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.

Indemnified CIBSA Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

Indemnified Coca-Cola Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.

INMEX” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

INMEX Purchase Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(ii).

Law” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.

Legal Dispute” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.6(i).

Mexican Competition Commission” shall mean the Mexican Comisión Federal de Competencia.

Mexico” shall mean the United Mexican States.

Orders” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.

Person” shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, association, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Per Share Purchase Price” shall mean U.S. $2.888 per Series D Share.

Preamble” shall mean that section in this Agreement preceding Article I.

Representatives” shall mean, with respect to any party, its designated employees, representatives, agents, counsel, financial advisors or independent accountants.

Section 190” shall mean Section 190 of the regulations to the Mexican federal income tax law, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

Section 258” shall mean Section 258 of the regulations to the Mexican federal income tax law, which implements Section 5 of the Mexican federal income tax law, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

Series A shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Series D shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Series L shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Subsidiary” shall mean, with respect to a Person, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or estate of which (or in which) more than 50% of

 

- 3 -


(a) in the case of a corporation, the voting stock or the capital stock, (b) in the case of a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company, the interest in the capital, profits or voting power or (c) in the case of a trust or estate, the beneficial interest, is at the time directly or indirectly owned or Controlled by such Person, by such Person and one or more of its other Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person’s other Subsidiaries.

1.2 Other Definitional Provisions.

(i) When used in this Agreement, the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and “hereunder” and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement, taken as a whole, and not to any particular provision of this Agreement unless and to the extent a particular provision is expressly referenced, and the words “thereof,” “therein,” “thereby” and “thereunder” and words of similar import shall refer to an agreement (other than this Agreement) or other document clearly indicated by the context, taken as a whole, and not to any particular provision of such agreement or document unless and to the extent a particular provision is expressly referenced.

(ii) The terms defined in the singular shall have a comparable meaning when used in the plural, and vice versa.

(iii) The terms “US$” and “U. S. dollars” shall mean United States of America dollars.

(iv) The terms “beneficial ownership” and “beneficially owned” shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

1.3 Rules of Construction.

(i) Words of inclusion shall not be construed as terms of limitation herein, so that references to “included” matters shall be regarded as non-exclusive, non-characterizing illustrations.

(ii) Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to any Article, Section or Exhibit, such reference shall be deemed to apply only to the specified Article or Section of this Agreement or the specified Exhibit to this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER OF SHARES

2.1 Transfer of Shares. On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing:

(i) The Coca-Cola Parties shall transfer to CIBSA, and CIBSA shall acquire from the Coca-Cola Parties, the Shares at the Per Share Purchase Price;

(ii) in consideration for the transfer of the Shares, CIBSA shall pay INMEX an aggregate purchase price equal to U.S.$54,577,435.55 (the “INMEX Purchase Price”) and CIBSA shall pay DULUX an aggregate purchase price equal to U.S.$372,846,564.45 (the

 

- 4 -


DULUX Purchase Price”), each of which shall be payable in cash, in each case by wire transfer of same day funds to a bank account in the United States designated by the recipient at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date;

(iii) INMEX hereby instructs CIBSA, in accordance with the certified copies of documents to be delivered to CIBSA by INMEX pursuant to Section 6.1(ii)(d) hereof, not to withhold any income taxes or other taxes from such payment to INMEX, and INMEX hereby accepts and agrees to assume any liability arising from such instruction; and

(iv) DULUX hereby instructs CIBSA, in accordance with the certified copies of documents to be delivered to CIBSA by DULUX pursuant to Section 6.1(ii)(e) hereof, not to withhold any income taxes or other taxes from such payment to DULUX, and DULUX hereby accepts and agrees to assume any liability arising from such instruction.

2.2 Closing. The consummation (the “Closing”) of the transactions referred to in Section 2.1 hereof shall occur at the offices of Coca-Cola FEMSA, Guillermo González Camarena No. 600, Centro de Ciudad Santa Fé 01210 México, D.F., México, by the fifth Business Day after the date on which the conditions set forth in Article VI (other than those conditions that by their terms can only be satisfied at Closing) shall have been satisfied or waived to the reasonable satisfaction of CIBSA and the Coca-Cola Parties (the “Closing Date”) or at such other time and place as the parties may mutually agree.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COCA-COLA PARTIES

The Coca-Cola Parties hereby represent and warrant to the CIBSA as follows:

3.1 Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. INMEX is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of Florida. DULUX is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of The Netherlands.

3.2 Corporate Power. Each of the Coca-Cola Parties has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions herein contemplated.

3.3 Authorization and Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been authorized and approved by all corporate action required on the part of each of the Coca-Cola Parties. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Coca-Cola Parties and constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of such party enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

3.4 Ownership of the Shares. The Shares represent 148,000,000 Series D shares owned beneficially and of record by the Coca-Cola Parties, free and clear of any Encumbrances.

 

- 5 -


Except as provided for in this Agreement, there are no existing options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or other arrangements of any character relating to the Shares or to any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or giving any Person any right to subscribe for or acquire from any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, the Shares.

3.5 Filings, Consents and Approvals. Except for the requisite filings with the Mexican Competition Commission referred to in Section 5.2 hereof, no notices, reports or other filings are required to be made by any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Affiliates, nor are any consents, waivers, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations required to be obtained by any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Affiliates from (i) any court, arbitrator or Federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory authority or body (each, a “Governmental Authority”) or (ii) any third party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.6 No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the Coca-Cola Parties, the performance of their respective obligations hereunder and the consummation by each of the Coca-Cola Parties of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not constitute or result in (i) a breach or violation of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of any of the Coca-Cola Parties, (ii) a breach or violation of, a default under, or the creation of an Encumbrance on the Shares, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, pursuant to, any provision of any agreement, lease, contract, note, mortgage, indenture, arrangement or other obligation (each, whether oral, written or established by course of conduct, a “Contract”) of any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Affiliates, any law (whether statutory or at common law), rule, ordinance or regulation of any Governmental Authority (“Law”), any judgments, orders, injunctions, awards, writs or decrees of any Governmental Authority (“Orders”), or any permit or license of any nongovernmental or Governmental Authority to which any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Affiliates is subject, except for, in the case of (ii), such breaches, violations, defaults or Encumbrances which would not be reasonably likely to prevent or delay the performance by any of the Coca-Cola Parties of their obligations hereunder or subject CIBSA or any of its Affiliates to any liability or penalty in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or which are consented to by CIBSA pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

3.7 Brokers’ and Finders’ Fees. None of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Representatives have employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions or finders’ fees in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.

3.8 Litigation. There are no (i) actions, suits, claims, proceedings or investigations (“Claims”) pending or, to the knowledge of any of the Coca-Cola Parties after due inquiry, threatened, against any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Affiliates, or (ii) Orders applicable to any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Affiliates which, individually or in the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to prevent or delay the performance by any of the Coca-Cola Parties of their obligations hereunder.

3.9 Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties expressly provided pursuant to this Agreement, none of the Coca-Cola Parties makes any other express or implied representation or warranty hereunder in connection with the transfer of the Shares.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS OF CIBSA

CIBSA hereby represents and warrants to the Coca-Cola Parties as follows:

4.1 Organization and Qualification. CIBSA is a sociedad anónima de capital variable duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of Mexico.

4.2 Corporate Power. CIBSA has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions herein contemplated.

4.3 Authorization and Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been authorized and approved by all corporate action required on the part of CIBSA. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by a Representative of CIBSA who holds valid powers of attorney, and constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of CIBSA, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

4.4 Filings, Consents and Approvals. Except for the requisite filings with the Mexican Competition Commission referred to in Section 5.2 hereof, no notices, reports or other filings are required to be made by CIBSA or any of its Affiliates, nor are any consents, waivers, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations required to be obtained by CIBSA or any of its Affiliates from (i) any Governmental Authority or (ii) any third party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, other than, in the case of the foregoing clause (ii), such notices, reports, other filings, consents, waivers, registrations, approvals, permits and authorizations, the failure of which to have obtained or made, would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to prevent or delay the performance by CIBSA of its obligations hereunder or subject any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Affiliates to any liability or penalty in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or which are consented to any of the Coca-Cola Parties pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

4.5 No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by CIBSA, the performance of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by CIBSA of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not constitute or result in (i) a breach or violation of CIBSA’s Estatutos, (ii) a breach or violation of, a default under, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, pursuant to, any provision of any Contract of CIBSA or any of its Affiliates, any Law, any Orders, or any permit or license of any nongovernmental or Governmental Authority to which CIBSA or any of its Affiliates is subject, except for, in the case of (ii), such breaches, violations, defaults or Encumbrances which would not be reasonably likely to prevent or delay the performance by CIBSA or any of its Affiliates of its obligations hereunder or subject any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their Affiliates to any liability or penalty in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or which are consented to by any of the Coca-Cola Parties pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

- 7 -


4.6 Litigation. There are no (i) Claims pending or, to the knowledge of CIBSA after due inquiry, threatened against CIBSA or any of its Affiliates, or (ii) Orders applicable to CIBSA or any of its Affiliates which, individually or in the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to prevent or delay the performance by CIBSA of its obligations hereunder.

4.7 Brokers and Finders. Neither CIBSA nor any of its Representatives, has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions or finders’ fees in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.

4.8 Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties expressly provided pursuant to this Agreement, CIBSA makes no other express or implied representation or warranty hereunder in connection with the purchase of the Shares.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES

5.1 Expenses. The Coca-Cola Parties shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by any of the Coca-Cola Parties or any of their respective Affiliates or on their behalf in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including any fees and expenses of its brokers, finders, financial consultants, accountants and counsel, and CIBSA shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by itself or any of its Affiliates or on their behalf in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including any fees and expenses of its financial consultants, accountants and counsel.

5.2 Filings; Other Action. (i) Each of the parties hereto will in good faith make and execute (and cause their respective Affiliates to make and execute) any required submissions under any applicable Laws with respect to the acquisition of the Shares by CIBSA and shall (a) use all reasonable efforts to provide to the other parties, and will cooperate with the other parties in providing, any and all information that may be necessary to complete such submissions; (b) use all reasonable efforts to obtain, and will cooperate with other parties in obtaining, all authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of governmental entities and third parties, and will take all reasonable actions to avoid the entry of any Law or Order prohibiting the consummation or effectiveness of the transactions contemplated hereby; and (c) use all reasonable efforts to take promptly, or cause to be taken, all other action, including the execution of any necessary documents, and do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or appropriate under applicable Laws to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as practicable.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, CIBSA and the Coca-Cola Parties will make all filings required with the Mexican Competition Commission relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and furnish all information and documents requested by the Mexican Competition Commission. The Coca-Cola Parties agree to fully cooperate with CIBSA in obtaining, furnishing, preparing, and executing all information and documents as may be required in connection with such filing with the Mexican Competition Commission. Furthermore, if necessary or advisable, the Coca-Cola Parties agree to make officers of their respective companies available for, and have such officers be present at, any relevant meeting with the officers of the Mexican Competition Commission.

 

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5.3 Best Efforts. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each party will use its best efforts to take or cause the actions set forth in Article VI to be taken and otherwise to cause the Closing to occur.

5.4 Shareholders Meeting. The Coca-Cola Parties agree and shall cause DULUX CBAI 2003 B.V. (as shareholder of Coca-Cola FEMSA) to hold as promptly as possible a shareholders meeting of Coca-Cola FEMSA to amend its bylaws to provide for the conversion of the Shares into Series A Shares.

ARTICLE VI

CLOSING

6.1 Conditions to the Obligations of CIBSA. The obligations of CIBSA to consummate the transactions to be consummated at Closing are subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by CIBSA of all of the following conditions:

(i) Each of the representations and warranties of the Coca-Cola Parties made pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of such date;

(ii) The Coca-Cola Parties shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to CIBSA:

(a) The certificates representing the Shares, duly endorsed en propiedad to CIBSA;

(b) A notarized and apostilled power of attorney evidencing the authority of the Person who has endorsed the Shares and granting explicit authority to transfer and endorse the Shares;

(c) A certificate confirming that no Governmental Authority has issued an injunction, stop order or other Order (as defined in Section 3.6 hereof), which prevents or prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(d) Certified copies of (i) a certificate of tax residence in the United States executed by INMEX and submitted to the Mexican federal income tax authority as set forth under Section 190, (ii) a notice of appointment of a tax representative of INMEX as required under Section 190, (iii) the presentation of an opinion by a public accountant registered before the Mexican tax authorities regarding the calculation of the income tax, as set forth under Section 190;

(e) Certified copies of (i) a certificate of tax residence in The Netherlands executed by DULUX and submitted to the Mexican federal income tax authority as set forth under Section 258, (ii) a notice of appointment of a tax representative of DULUX as required under Section 258; and

 

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(f) Such other certificates, documents, amendments and instruments as CIBSA shall reasonably request to confirm the purchase of the Shares by CIBSA or the assignment of the Shares to CIBSA pursuant to this Agreement.

6.2 Conditions to the Obligations of the Coca-Cola Parties. The obligations of the Coca-Cola Parties to consummate the transactions to be consummated at Closing are subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by the Coca-Cola Parties of all of the following conditions:

(i) Each of the representations and warranties of CIBSA made pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of such date;

(ii) CIBSA shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to the Coca-Cola Parties such certificates, documents, amendments and instruments as the Coca-Cola Parties shall reasonably request in connection with the purchase of the Shares by CIBSA pursuant to this Agreement; and

(iii) No Governmental Authority has issued an injunction, stop order or other Order (as defined in Section 3.6 hereof), which prevents or prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION

7.1 Termination Prior to Closing. This Agreement may be terminated on or prior to Closing by mutual consent of the parties hereto.

7.2 Effects of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.1, this Agreement (other than Sections 9.5 and 9.6 of this Agreement, which shall survive any such termination) shall thereafter become void and have no effect, and no party shall have any liability to any other party hereto or their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents or Representatives; provided that, notwithstanding the Closing shall have not occurred, (i) the rights and obligations of the Parties arising out of any breach of this Agreement prior to such termination shall continue unaffected by such termination.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

8.1 Right to Rely on Representations and Obligations. (i) CIBSA has the right to rely fully upon the respective representations and obligations of the Coca-Cola Parties contained in this Agreement, in instruments or agreements executed by such entities in connection herewith or in any certificates or other documents delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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(ii) Each of the Coca-Cola Parties has the right to rely fully upon the respective representations and obligations of CIBSA contained in this Agreement, in instruments or agreements executed by CIBSA in connection herewith or in any certificates or other documents delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

8.2 Indemnification by the Coca-Cola Parties. (i) Each Coca-Cola Party shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless CIBSA and its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents and Representatives (each, an “Indemnified CIBSA Party”) against and in respect of:

(a) any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, actions, suits, proceedings, deficiencies, interest, penalties and reasonable and documented costs and expenses, directly or indirectly suffered, incurred or disbursed by any Indemnified CIBSA Party as a result of, or with respect to any breach or inaccuracy of any representation of any of the Coca-Cola Parties contained in this Agreement, or any liability referred to in Section 2.1(iii) and 2.1(iv) hereof; and

(b) any and all actions, claims, proceedings, investigations, audits, fines, judgments, and reasonable and documented costs and expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses) incident to any of the foregoing or to the enforcement of this Section 8.2.

(ii) Nothing in this Section 8.2 shall prevent CIBSA or its Affiliates from taking any action against any of the Coca-Cola Parties seeking any injunctive or other equitable relief.

8.3 Indemnification by CIBSA. (i) CIBSA shall indemnify and hold harmless each of The Coca-Cola Parties and their Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents and Representatives (each, an “Indemnified Coca-Cola Party”) against and in respect of:

(a) any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, actions, suits, proceedings, deficiencies, interest, penalties and reasonable and documented costs and expenses, directly or indirectly suffered, incurred or disbursed by any Indemnified Coca-Cola Party, as a result of, or with respect to any breach or inaccuracy of any representation of CIBSA contained in this Agreement; and

(b) any and all actions, claims, proceedings, investigations, audits, fines, judgments, and reasonable and documented costs and expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses) incident to any of the foregoing or to the enforcement of this Section 8.3.

(ii) Nothing in this Section 8.3 shall prevent the Coca-Cola Parties or their Affiliates from taking any action against any of the Coca-Cola Parties seeking any injunctive or other equitable relief.

 

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ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1 Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties hereto on the date hereof with respect to the transactions contemplated herein and supersedes all prior written agreements and negotiations and oral understandings among the parties hereto with respect to such transactions. No amendment, modification or alteration of the terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless the same shall be in writing and duly executed by the authorized Representatives of the parties hereto.

9.2 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise agreed herein, this Agreement and the rights of a party hereunder may not be assigned, and the obligations of a party hereunder may not be delegated, in whole or in part. Any such proposed assignment or delegation that is made without the agreement of the other party shall be null and void.

9.3 Headings. The headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the interpretation hereof.

9.4 Notices. Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any party hereto to any other party hereto shall be in writing and delivered personally or by telecopy transmission or sent by any express mail service, postage or fees prepaid,

 

if to CIBSA, to:

Edificio Fundadores

Ave. Alfonso Reyes 2202 Nte.

Colonia Bella Vista

Monterrey, N.L. 64442 México

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Telephone No.: (52) (81) 83286010

Telecopy No.: (52) (81) 83286012

with a copy to:

General Anaya 601 Pte.

Colonia Bella Vista

Monterrey, N.L. 64410 México

Attention: General Counsel

Telephone No.: (52) (81) 83286180

Telecopy No.: (52) (81) 83286181

with a copy to:

Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton

One Liberty Plaza

New York, New York 10006

Attention: Jaime El Koury

Telephone No.: 212-225-2000

Telecopy No.: 212-225-3999

 

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if to the Coca-Cola Parties, to:

One Coca-Cola Plaza, N.W. – NAT 1134

Atlanta, GA 30313, U.S.A.

Attention: Steve Whaley

Telephone No.: 404-676-7551

Telecopy No.: 404-598-7551

with a copy to:

Coca-Cola de México

Rubén Dario No. 115,

Col. Bosque de Chapultepec

11580 Mexico, D.F.

Attention: Eduardo Raul Arrocha Gio

Telephone No.: (52) (55) 5262-2231

Telecopy No.: (52) (55) 5262-2021

with a copy to:

Loyens & Loeff N.V.

Fred, Roeskestraat 100

1076 ED AMSTERDAM

P.O. Box 71170

1008 BD AMSTERDAM

Attention: Mr. J.J. Bloembergen LLM

Advocat/Attorney at law

Telephone No.: 31-20-578-5417

Telecopy No.: 31-20-578-5836

or at such other address or number for a party as shall be specified by like notice. Any notice which is delivered personally or by telecopy transmission or by mail shall be deemed to have been duly given to the party to whom it is directed upon actual receipt by such party.

9.5 Governing Law; Interpretation. (i) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF MEXICO.

(ii) Each party hereto represents that, in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement, such party has been represented by and relied upon the advice of counsel of such party’s choice. Each such party affirms that such party’s counsel has had a substantial role in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement. Therefore, each such party agrees that the rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement or any related document.

 

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9.6 Resolution of Legal Disputes. (i) The parties agree to make a good faith effort to resolve any legal disagreement, dispute, controversy or claim (for purposes of this Section 9.6, a “Legal Dispute”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the interpretation hereof, any arrangements relating hereto, or the breach, termination or invalidity hereof. Failing such a resolution, such Legal Dispute shall, if the parties thereto so agree, be resolved by resort to a non-binding dispute resolution procedure on terms to be agreed by them.

(ii) Each of the parties hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (a) the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, in the case of any action, suit or proceeding commenced by CIBSA with respect to a Legal Dispute, and (b) any competent court located in Mexico City, Mexico, in the case of any action, suit or proceeding commenced by the Coca-Cola Parties with respect to a Legal Dispute.

(iii) The parties agree that, after a Legal Dispute is before a court as specified in paragraph (ii) of this Section 9.6 and during the pendency of such Legal Dispute before such court, all actions, suits or proceedings with respect to such Legal Dispute or any other Legal Dispute, including without limitation any counterclaim, cross-claim or interpleader, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court.

(iv) Each of the parties hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and agrees not to assert, as a defense in any action, suit or proceeding referred to in paragraphs (ii) or (iii) of this Section 9.6, that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of the courts specified therein or that such action, suit or proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in such court or that its property is exempt or immune from execution, that the action, suit or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of the action, suit or proceeding is improper. Each of the parties agrees that service of process in any such action, suit or proceeding shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it if sent to it by courier at the address for notice purposes designated pursuant to Section 9.4.

(v) This Agreement has been executed, and all amendments, supplements, modifications or replacements hereto shall be made, in English.

9.7 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies.

9.8 Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to either party hereto upon any breach or default of the other party under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or any acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver,

 

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permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party hereto of any breach or default under this Agreement or any waiver on the part of any party hereto of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement must be made in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

9.9 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of any such invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating or rendering unenforceable any remaining terms and provisions hereof, and such invalidity or unenforceability in such jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

9.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement by telecopier or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be signed by their duly authorized Representatives on the date first above written.

 

COMPAÑÍA INTERNACIONAL DE

BEBIDAS, S.A. DE C.V.

By:  

 

Name:   Carlos E. Aldrete Ancira
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

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THE INMEX CORPORATION,
By:  

 

Name:   Eduardo Raul Arrocha Gio
Title:   Attorney in Fact

 

DULUX CBEXINMEX 2003 B.V.
By:  

 

Name:   Eduardo Raul Arrocha Gio
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

- 17 -


Witnessed By:  

 

Name:   David Gonzalez Vessi
Title  
Witnessed By:  

 

Name:   Valentina Villa
Title  

 

- 18 -

Significant Subsidiaries.

Exhibit 8.1

Significant Subsidiaries

The following table sets forth our significant subsidiaries as of May 31, 2007:

 

Name of Company

   Jurisdiction of
Establishment
   Percentage
Owned
 
CIBSA    Mexico    100.0 %
Coca-Cola FEMSA    Mexico    53.7 (1)

Propimex, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    53.7  

Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V. (Panamco)

   Mexico    53.7  

Panamco México, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    53.3  

Industria Nacional de Gaseosas, S.A. (holding company of Colombian operations)

   Colombia    52.5  

Kristine Oversease, S.A. de C.V. (holding company of Brazilian operations)

   Mexico    44.6  

Emprex Cerveza, S.A. de C.V. (Emprex Cerveza)

   Mexico    100.0  
FEMSA Cerveza    Mexico    100.0  

Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100.0  

Cervezas Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100.0  
Emprex    Mexico    100.0  
FEMSA Comercio    Mexico    100.0  

Cadena Comercial Oxxo, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100.0  

Oxxo Express, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100.0  

 

(1) Percentage of capital stock. FEMSA owns 63.0% of the capital stock with full voting rights.
CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

EXHIBIT 12.1

Certification

I, José Antonio Fernández, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: June 28, 2007    
   

/s/ José Antonio Fernández Carbajal

    José Antonio Fernández Carbajal
    Chief Executive Officer

 

2

CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

EXHIBIT 12.2

Certification

I, Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: June 28, 2007

 

/s/ Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines

Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines
Chief Financial Officer

 

2

Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

EXHIBIT 13.1

Certification

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

Dated: June 28, 2007  

/s/ José Antonio Fernández Carbajal

  José Antonio Fernández Carbajal
  Chief Executive Officer
Dated: June 28, 2007  

/s/ Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines

  Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines
  Chief Financial Officer