Anheuser-Busch Drops Modelo After Antitrust Lawsuit

Budweiser owner Anheuser-Busch InBev is backing off from a deal with Modelo, revamping it to comply with antitrust laws.

Anheuser-Busch, which planned to buy Modelo (maker of Corona), will now give Crown Imports complete control of Grupo Modelo's U.S. businesses.

Initially, Bud Light's parent company would own Grupo Modelo, while giving control of the import and sale of Corona Extra to Constellation Brands.

After the U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust claim against the brand, however, Anheuser-Busch has backed off; Crown, an entity of Constellation, will give Constellation control of Modelo's profit stream, rights, and brewing operations.

Still, the almost-purchase of Modelo by Anheuser-Busch sheds light on just how small the beer market is; NPR notes that the two biggest beer companies in the world control more than 200 brands. Anheuser-Busch InBev owns Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Budweiser, Busch, Rolling Rock, Shock Top, and more. SAB Miller lays claim to Coors, Blue Moon, Miller, Milwaukee's Best, and others. Luckily, however, Corona escaped the grasp of these two beer giants.