SABMiller and Molson Coors get antitrust approval for MillerCoors joint venture

06 June 2008

SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company has received antitrust  approval from the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

The two companies had proposed merging their respective US and Puerto Rican operations to form a new company called MillerCoors.

SABMiller plc is amongst the largest brewers in the world, with brewing and distribution agreements across 60 countries. The group's brands include premium international beers such as Miller Genuine Draft, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch and Pilsner Urquell, as well as an exceptional range of market leading local brands.

Outside the US, SABMiller plc is also one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world and is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.

The transaction is expected to close on or about 30 June 2008, while the Miller and Coors businesses will continue to be operated separately until completion of the transaction.

On 9 October, 2007, SABMiller and Molson Coors had announced that they intended to combine the US and Puerto Rico operations of their respective subsidiaries, Miller and Coors, in an equal joint venture with 50 per cent voting interest (See: SABMiller, Molson Coors merging US brewery operations) , and have five representatives each on its Board of Directors.