Mexico: Grupo Modelo-Constellation Brands joint venture received HSR clearance to import and market in USA and Guam through 2016

Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C. V., Mexico's leading company in the brewing, distribution and sale of beer, and Constellation Brands, Inc. , a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands, announced August 25 they have received notice from the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") that the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for review of their proposed joint venture to import beer brands to the U.S. and Guam is terminated, PRNewswire released August 25.

The FTC notice signals the closing of the review by FTC and Department of Justice regulators, and lifts all constraints under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act to establish the joint venture. The companies are proceeding with plans to form the joint venture, including satisfaction of unrelated regulatory and licensing requirements. The joint venture will become operational effective Jan. 2, 2007. On July 17, 2006, the companies announced an agreement to form the joint venture, which will import and market Grupo Modelo brands in the United States and Guam through 2016. The joint venture will conduct business as Crown Imports LLC.

Founded in 1925, Grupo Modelo is the leader in the production and marketing of beer in Mexico, with 62.8 percent of the total (domestic and export) market share, as of Dec. 31, 2005. The company has seven brewing plants in Mexico, with a total annual installed capacity of 52.0 million hectoliters. Grupo Modelo currently brews and distributes 12 brands; Corona Extra, the number one Mexican beer in the world, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Victoria, Pacifico, Negra Modelo among others. The company exports five brands with a presence in more than 150 countries, and it is the exclusive importer of Anheuser-Busch products in Mexico.

Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands with a broad portfolio across the wine, spirits and imported beer categories. Well-known brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Almaden, Arbor Mist, Vendange, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Nobilo, Kim Crawford, Alice White, Ruffino, Kumala, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Rex Goliath, Toasted Head, Blackstone, Ravenswood, Estancia, Franciscan Oakville Estate, Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, Simi, Robert Mondavi Winery, Stowells, Blackthorn, Black Velvet, Mr. Boston, Fleischmann's, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy, Chi-Chi's, 99 Schnapps, Ridgemont Reserve 1792, Effen Vodka, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, St. Pauli Girl, Tsingtao.

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