Heineken has ended the license agreement for Heineken beer to be brewed by South African Breweries.

The Dutch brewer said last year’s change of ownership when SAB bought Miller Brewing Stateside from Philip Morris, enables it to cancel the license.

SABMiller will now import the Dutch brew into South Africa from May. Meanwhile, Heineken is to build up its own sales force and distribution network in the region.

SABMiller said it will replace Heineken with its own brands Pilsner Urquell and Miller Genuine Draft in RSA to broaden its range of beers in the country's growing premium segment.