The world's largest brewer has shed its two distributorships in Kentucky after the state legislature passed a law banning them from owning one.
Anheuser-Busch says it purchased American Eagle Distributing in Loveland, Colorado, and has transferred its distributorships in Louisville and Owensboro to the Texas-based Standard Sales Company. In return, Standard Sales transferred three distributorships to Anheuser-Busch.
Anheuser-Busch Vice President Bob Tallett said the transfer was the best path forward for its 200 employees in Kentucky. Standard Sales President and CEO Lanny Layman said he is eager to meet the Kentucky employees and grow his business there.
Anheuser-Busch has owned its Louisville distributorship since 1978. Last year, it alarmed independent brewers when it purchased a second distributor in Owensboro. The state legislature responded by banning brewers from owning distributors.