DOJ Antitrust case 1:13-cv-00127 (D.D.C.): Constellation Brands / Corona (United States) and Modelo Especial
The United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division cleared, subject to remedies, Constellation Brands's acquisition of Corona (United States), Modelo Especial and Pacífico on 19 April 2013 (case 1:13-cv-00127 (D.D.C.)).[1]
The Department of Justice sued to block AB InBev's acquisition of the rest of Grupo Modelo, arguing it would raise beer prices in the United States. The parties settled with a proposed final judgment requiring AB InBev to sell Constellation Brands the perpetual United States rights to the Modelo brands and the Piedras Negras brewery, which is why Corona has a different owner in the United States.
To settle the Department of Justice lawsuit blocking AB InBev's acquisition of Grupo Modelo, AB InBev sold Constellation Brands the perpetual rights to Corona, Modelo Especial and Pacífico in the United States, together with the Piedras Negras brewery. This is why Corona has a different owner in the United States than everywhere else.