Brewers Association — Latest Stories

ABI’s Venture Capital Fund Quietly Expanding the Mega-Brewer’s Reach

Anheuser-Busch InBev was consistently in the news last year as it closed its blockbuster $100 billion acquisition of SABMiller. But beyond headline-generating deals, the brewer is finding new ways to expand its reach, particularly in the craft sector. The company’s wholly-owned venture capital firm has been quietly investing in beer ratings websites, delivery services, and international craft brewers—an indication that, despite cuts to its domestic craft acquisition program, the mega-brewer is finding yet more ways to put pressure on the independent and craft beer sector.

Mergers & AcquisitionsLeah DouglasNovember 2, 2017ABI, Brewers Association, craft beer, homebrew, hops, RateBeer, SAB, Leah Douglas, Beer

With SABMiller Deal Complete, ABI Takes Aim at Craft Brewers

Anheuser-Busch InBev is angling to control every shelf of your local beer store, and they’re doing it behind the scenes. That may seem surprising, given that the Belgian company has made headlines this year with its nearly complete $108 billion acquisition of SABMiller, the second-largest beer company in the world. But many in the industry see control over distribution, even more than deals, as the real source of ABI’s growing market power. And though the Department of Justice’s July approval of the merger seems to promote competition and place checks on the company’s pursuit of growth, those checks may not prove strong enough to rein in the beer giant.

Mergers & AcquisitionsLeah DouglasSeptember 15, 2016ABI, Bayer, Brewers Association, DFA, DOJ, mergers, monsanto, NFU, SABMiller, Leah Douglas, Beer