A PYMNTS Company

Ecuador: Heineken warns of beer monopoly brewing

By  |  November 7, 2016

Spokesmen for the Dutch beer giant Heineken in Ecuador spoke out, saying they consider the merger between Cervecería Nacional (owned by SAB Miler) and Ambev (owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev), which recently received a green light by the country’s competition regulator SCPM – but which has yet to be pushed through – would result in a complete monopoly, in control of 96 to 97% of the country’s beer market.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    Subscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    José Javier Jarrín, legal counsel for Heineken, has said the company does not oppose the merger per se, but considers that the conditions for approval should be reviewed. Mr. Jarrin pointed out that under current terms, few economic actors would find the Ecuadorian market attractive.

    Mr. Jarrin continued citing cases around the world where similar mergers were accompanied by divestments of up to 49% of assets, in order to safeguard a competitive playing field – a point Mr. Jarrin urged the country’s regulators to consider.

    Full Content: América Economía

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.