AB-InBev turns prime witness against beer cartel

AB-InBev is cooperating with Germany’s anti-monopoly agency to help in its investigation of a dozen major brewers for prize fixing. A spokesperson for AB-InBev Germany, the brewer of Beck’s beer, told media on 6 July that AB-InBev used the leniency provision and turned itself prime witness. Prime witnesses in cartel probes usually receive a pardon or lesser fines.

The spokesperson would not give any more details as the case is still pending. However, it’s expected to close next month. According to rumour, Germany’s brewer Bitburger also assisted the anti-monopoly agency in its probe.

Two years ago the anti-monopoly agency began its investigation, following allegations that brewers illegally clubbed together to simultaneously raise prices of about two dozen major German beer brands. If found guilty, the accused brewers could be faced with fines in the three figure millions.

In a separate probe, the anti-monopoly agency is investigating several breweries in Cologne accused of a similar offence.