Anheuser-Busch shuns Lovells in panel review
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Lovells has lost out on a place on global drinks company Anheuser-Busch InBev’s legal panel due to its role advising rival SAB Miller.
Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, Howrey, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and Sullivan & Cromwell have all picked up roles on the global roster, with each specialising in specific areas.
Clifford Chance is the main choice for financing work, advising particularly on debt issues. Howrey has been retained to advise on US anti-trust matters and Linklaters will do the majority of the company’s Belgian work. Freshfields is one of the newest members of the panel and does not have such a clearly defined role at present.
Chief legal and compliance officer Sabine Chalmers said that she expected to carry out reviews with firm relationship partners with a frequency of between six and 12 months.
She commented that quality was just as important as cost in the review process because “you get what you pay for”.
“I’m a firm believer in the panel process,” she added. “If you take time to build committed relationships with firms that’s when you reap the benefits.”
Lovells has an ongoing role for AB InBev advising on litigation relating to the Budvar brand.
