Anheuser-Busch Retains Interest in Liquor Distributor

Skadden secured the dismissal of an administrative proceeding against Anheuser-Busch/InBev Inc. before the Illinois Liquor Control Commission challenging the company's right to maintain its interest in an Illinois alcohol distributor. After Anheuser-Busch prevailed in a 2010 lawsuit (also handled by Skadden) challenging an Illinois law being used by state officials to block its acquisition of the distributor, the Illinois General Assembly amended the law, which triggered an attempt by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission's Legal Division to force Anheuser-Busch to divest. On October 31, the commission dismissed the proceeding, noting the amended statute does not prohibit the company from owning a minority interest in the distributor.