Wetherspoons boss says AB InBev takeover of SAB Miller could be bad news for pubs

Martin told the Daily Mirror​ ‘they aren’t doing this for drinkers or publicans’ and added that he was against the takeover, which puts beer brands Peroni, Grolsch, Fosters and Meantime all under the same roof as part of the new brewing giant.

Martin Caffrey, from the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association also told the Mirror​ that the monopoly that could spell bad news for the industry and could deter licensees from buying craft beers.

Expert John Colley from the Warwick School of Business said that the merger would offer les choice for beer customers, as one in three beers will be produced by AB InBev, causing less choice and less competition.

However, Mintel senior analyst Chris Wisson said the deal could theoretically mean better buying prices for licensees.​

Craft beer has been labelled as one of the driving factors behind the merger, with bigger companies eager to gain control of the smaller, independent breweries shaking up the market.

Wisson told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser​: “It has come about largely because the Western markets are struggling from factors such as reduced beer consumption and the preference for craft beer over mainstream brands.”