Constellation and Crown file motion in DOJ case

[February 09, 2013]  VICTOR, N.Y. (AP) -- Constellation Brands Inc. and Crown Imports filed a motion Friday to ensure that their interests are represented in the government's case against beer maker Anheuser-Busch InBev's proposed acquisition of Grupo Modelo.

The Justice Department says the AB InBev and Modelo deal would reduce competition by bringing two of the most popular beer brands -- Budweiser and Corona -- under one owner. That would lead to higher prices for Americans.

Constellation was not named in the government suit but it says it has a vested stake in the deal, which it supports. The Victor, N.Y., company has its own deal pending to acquire Crown that it says could be affected by the case.

Although Modelo owns Corona and other brands, those beers are distributed in the U.S. through Crown, which is a joint venture of Modelo and Constellation. To address antitrust concerns over its deal with AB InBev, Modelo had planned to sell its half of Crown to Constellation.

The motion filed Friday would allow Constellation and Crown to have direct access to the legal proceedings.

Constellation argues that the AB InBev and Modelo deal would increase competition in the U.S. by ultimately giving Constellation greater control over Corona and other brands.

Anheuser-Busch InBev and Grupo Modelo filed a memorandum in support of Constellation and Crown being represented in the case.

[Associated Press]

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