A big merger may flatten US beer market

New York

ANHEUSER-BUSCH Inbev, the world's largest brewer, recently made headlines by announcing that it would temporarily rename Budweiser, one of its best-selling beers, "America". It's a curious name choice, not only because AB-InBev is based in Belgium, but also because of what the new name stands for: independence.

As Anheuser-Busch InBev looks to finalise a US$107 billion merger with SABMiller, the world's second-largest brewer, federal antitrust authorities need to weigh what this means for the growing number of small brewers and independent distributors who are driving the industry. Recent reports say antitrust authorities are likely to approve the deal by the end of the month. If they do so without adequate protections, the merger could stifle consumer choice and choke off America's beer renaissance.