Anheuser-Busch completes partnership with Craft Brew Alliance

American brewing company Anheuser-Busch (A-B) has completed the expanded partnership agreement with beer maker Craft Brew Alliance (CBA).

The deal, announced last November, recently received approval from the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ).

The companies signed the agreement with the USDOJ after securing approval from CBA shareholder to sell its Kona Brewing operations in Hawaii to PV Brewing Partners.

Under the deal, CBA shareholders received $16.50 in cash per share of Craft Brew Alliance common stock.

Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Doukeris said: “Connecting with consumers through our brands is at the forefront of everything we do.

“After a successful partnership that spans more than 25 years, we are excited to now fully welcome CBA into the A-B family and continue to work together to bring more consumers, in more communities, even more choices for every occasion.”

With the completion of the merger deal, CBA’s portfolio of lifestyle brands and breweries will now be part of Brewers Collective, a business unit of A-B with immediate effect.

The Brewers Collective portfolio will be strengthened by Kona Brewing’s mainland and international operations and regional brands, as well as Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Cisco Brewers and Omission Brewing Co.

Additionally, the deal will see the addition of the Redhook Brewery, Square Mile Cider Co, Widmer Brothers Brewing, and Wynwood Brewing to Brewers Collective portfolio.

Anheuser-Busch Brewers Collective president Marcelo Michaelis said: “CBA’s dynamic breweries have the same commitment to authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit that has enabled our craft partners to grow as members of Brewers Collective.

“By prioritising home markets, building an unmatched innovation pipeline, and developing effective marketing, we have been able to achieve success locally and nationally, and we’re excited to take this next step with CBA.”

Under the deal, A-B will appoint CBA employees into various functions within the organisation, including top leaders who will assume newly created roles.

CBA former CEO Andy Thomas will serve as general manager of Kona Brewing’s mainland operations and regional Brewers Collective brands in the eastern US, while CBA former chief financial and strategy officer Christine Perich will serve as general manager of regional breweries on the west coast.