Blumenthal Comment on Beer Industry Merger Settlement After His Calls for Close Scrutiny

[WASHINGTON, DC] – After calls from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to protect competition, the Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced it reached a settlement with Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) that will permit ABI to proceed with its acquisition of SABMiller only with significant divesting of assets to stop any increase in market concentration in the U.S. beer industry. Senator Blumenthal previously sent a letter to the DOJ urging it to ensure the merger does not stifle the growth of America’s craft brewing industry, and secured a commitment from both the companies and the DOJ that they would work together to find a way to protect competition in the industry.  

“Many American consumers may raise a glass to today’s announcement, even if it is not completely full,” Blumenthal said. “My call for close scrutiny of this merger and antitrust enforcement to protect small brewers and distributors has been heeded in part. Measures to prevent undue market concentration and power are highly important to Connecticut and the country, but their real world impact will depend on strong and strict enforcement. This settlement helps ensure that beer industry competition remains on tap.”

At a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on the proposed merger in December, Blumenthal secured a commitment from the companies that they would take meaningful steps to protect competition in the industry. At another hearing, he secured a commitment from DOJ officials that they would do the same. He also sent a letter to the DOJ in November urging the Department to closely scrutinize the proposed merger and protect America’s craft brewers.

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