Together, we have an outstanding brand portfolio with five of the top six and seven of the top ten most valuable beer brands in the world, each with distinct imagery and consumer positioning. Corona would join Budweiser as a global flagship brand, alongside global brands Stella Artois and Beck’s. Beers that Mexican consumers enjoy and appreciate will now have a larger worldwide presence. We are thrilled with the opportunities that this combination brings and what this means for our consumers worldwide. Brewing great beers is at the heart of what we do, and we remain committed to this as ever.
While an agreement has been reached, it remains business as usual until the transaction is completed. Our existing relationships with our commercial partners remain unchanged and we look forward to sharing details as necessary regarding this transaction. Thank you for your ongoing partnership.
Distributors in Mexico
Both Grupo Modelo and AB InBev’s brands, as well as the third-party brands that Grupo Modelo distributes locally, will continue to be available through the same distribution channels. It is business as usual, and existing distribution arrangements remain in place. We are counting on your continued dedication and expertise to deliver the products that Mexican consumers enjoy. AB InBev is committed to ensuring that the integrity and quality of Grupo Modelo’s brands are preserved. In addition, we look forward to offering increased choice from AB InBev’s brand portfolio to consumers in Mexico and building on the success of Bud Light in the country.
Distributors in the U.S.
In a separate transaction, Grupo Modelo will sell its existing 50% stake in the Crown Imports JV to Constellation Brands, resulting in Constellation having 100% ownership of the U.S. import, sales and marketing business. Click here for a link to Constellation Brands’ press release.
Crown Imports will be solely responsible for Grupo Modelo’s sales, marketing, distribution and pricing in the U.S., while AB InBev will ensure the continuity of supply, quality of products and ability to introduce innovations. Crown Imports' management has successfully built the Grupo Modelo franchise into a leadership position in the U.S., and they will continue to do so through their expertise in brand building and distribution in the U.S. market.
As a result, AB InBev brands will continue to be distributed and available through the same channels and networks as they are today. Grupo Modelo brands will continue to be distributed by Crown in the U.S. through the same channels and networks as they are today.
International License & Distribution Partners
Internationally, all existing agreements that both AB InBev and Grupo Modelo have with other distributors will be respected, and contracts will be honored. Relationship managers will remain the same and it is business as usual until the transaction closes.
