Distribution of the Miller beers could be up for grabs in Australia if AB InBev’s takeover of SABMiller proceeds as expected.
The transaction dubbed Megabrew would require the forced sale of SABMiller’s stake in US joint venture MillerCoors to partner Molson Coors.
The parties have already agreed a $12 billion sale price, which also gives Molson Coors ownership of the Miller brand family globally.
In this event, Carlton & United Breweries would be unlikely to retain Miller, its sole casualty from the shake-up that will inevitably deliver various AB InBev brands to its stable.
Molson Coors’ existing Australian distribution partner Coca-Cola Amatil would be in the box seat to distribute Miller.
“The Miller brands globally are a profitable business built on a powerful brand family that we can leverage worldwide, including emerging markets, along with the Coors and Staropramen trademarks,” Molson Coors said.
A Molson Coors spokesman told Australian Brews News it was too early to comment on the local impacts of the transaction, which is not expected to close until the second half of 2016.
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