Anheuser-Busch Inc., St. Louis, and Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee, reached an agreement to transfer the U.S. importing rights for Grolsch beer brands, which Anheuser-Busch has imported since April 2006. The deal makes Miller Brewing Co. the Grolsch importer in the United States, and is expected to close by Aug. 1. SABMiller plc completed its acquisition of Royal Grolsch NV and Grolsch brands in February. According to A-B, the agreement provides protections for Anheuser-Busch wholesalers.

“The time is right to end our importation of these brands,” said David A. Peacock, vice president of marketing at Anheuser-Busch. “It is important that our wholesalers who transition these brands are able to protect their investments. This agreement includes provisions for our distributors that will compensate them appropriately.”