Canada green lights AB InBev’s acquisition of SABMiller

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Canada’s Competition Bureau, said on Tuesday it has issued a “No Action Letter” to AB InBev and Molson Coors, essentially saying that it won’t oppose the combination of AB InBev and SABMiller,  and the ensuing divestitures of certain Miller brands to Molson Coors were not likely to lessen or impede competition.

Canada is the latest in a number of jurisdictions to approve the acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev.

“The Bureau concluded that the proposed acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev, with the immediate divestiture of certain Miller brands to Molsen Coors were not likely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any relevant market in Canada,” the Bureau said.

The Bureau further said that once the merger was complete, AB InBev will take ownership of SABMiller’s Foster’s and Castle Lager brands, while Molson Coors will have the rights to purchase various Miller brands, including Miller Genuine draft and Miller Lite.

AB InBev already owns Labatt in Canada through its ownership in AmBev. Labatt and Molson Coors are Canada’s two largest brewers.

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