WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Anheuser-Busch InBev ABI.BR
said it is talking to both the U.S. Justice Department and the
California attorney general's office about any queries they have
about its plans to acquire two beer distributors in California,
the company confirmed on Monday.
"Anheuser-Busch has been in communication with the
Department of Justice and California attorney general's office
about the transactions. We are working cooperatively to address
any questions they have," an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson said in
an email.
Reuters reported earlier on Monday that the Justice
Department is probing allegations that AB InBev is seeking to
curb competition in the beer market by buying distributors,
making it harder for fast-growing craft brewers to get their
products on store shelves, according to three people familiar
with the matter.
In the past few months, the world's largest brewer has
rattled the craft beer world by striking deals for five
distributors in three states. Many states require brewers to use
distributors to sell their product, and once AB InBev buys a
distributor, craft companies say they find that they can't
distribute their beer as easily and sales growth stalls.