US Anheuser-Busch acquires Budweiser brand

Anheuser-Busch Inc., part of the AB InBev NV international brewing giant, took a crucial step in its fight with state-owned Czech brewery Budejovicky Budvar over the Budweiser brand when it acquired its local Czech rival.

According to the Czech registry of companies, Anheuser-Busch took control of Budejovicky Mestansky Pivovar or BMP in December. The move gives Anheuser-Busch the company’s trademarks, including the contested Budweiser Beer brand.

Budvar and BMP are based in the town of Ceske Budejovice — also known as Budweis.

Budvar has been fighting for years with Anheuser-Busch in a number of countries over use of the famous Budweiser brand, to which both companies claim a historical right. Anheuser-Busch was taken over by InBev of Belgium in 2008 to create the world’s largest brewer.

Budvar said Thursday the deal would not affect its business activities and trademarks.

Associated Press

Tags: AB InBev, beer brands, Budweiser Budvar, M&A in beer industry

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