BELGIUM: Anheuser-Busch InBev supplier deals under investigation - report

Anheuser-Busch InBev is set to be the subject of an investigation into unfair practices against its suppliers in Belgium, according to local reports.

Citing the Belgian economics minister, reports out of the country over the weekend claimed that AB InBev will have a recent review of its contracts with suppliers probed by Belgium's anti-trust authority.

Vincent Van Quickenborne also told press that the authorities will highlight the situation to the European Commission to review the situation. "This could be of wider significance than the Belgian market," he told reporters.

Speaking to just-drinks today (20 April), a spokesperson for the brewer said it had yet to receive any official notification of a complaint. "In case we do, we will, of course, collaborate and be available to answer all questions," the spokesperson said. "AB InBev respects local laws and regulations as they apply and always respects its contractual obligations.

"We confirm that the challenging global economic environment has resulted in the group AB InBev - like many other multinational companies - reviewing its terms and conditions of payment," the spokesperson continued. "Following this review, the company has a goal as a business to move towards terms of payment of 120 days from receipt of invoice.

"We value greatly the suppliers that we work with. It may take time for some of the suppliers to get used to the new system but we will do what we can to help them with the transition."

The spokesperson also said that, in Belgium, payment terms are set as part of commercial negotiations between client and supplier and are established in mutual agreement. "We never comment on commercial relationships with specific suppliers," the spokesperson concluded.