AB InBev: EU sends statement of objections.

(CercleFinance.com) - European Union antitrust regulators have sent AB InBev a statement of objections over the group's "dominant position" on the Belgian market.


The European Commission said that the company has abused its position on the Belgian beer market, by hindering cheaper imports of its Jupiler and Leffe beers from the Netherlands and France into Belgium.

"Our preliminary finding is that AB InBev may have deliberately prevented cheaper beer imports out of France and the Netherlands from reaching consumers in Belgium," said Margrethe Vestager, the EU's competition commissioner.

"Such practices would breach EU competition rules, because they deny consumers the benefits of the EU Single Market - choice and lower prices," she added.

The Commission said AB InBev will now have the opportunity to respond to its concerns.

In a reaction note sent this morning, analysts at Bryan Garnier estimate the maximum fine that AB InBev could have to pay at 960 million dollars.

After dropping 1.2% yesterday, AB InBev shares are currently down 0.3% on Euronext Brussels this Friday.

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