As anticipated, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced an investigation into the local impacts of Anheuser-Busch InBev’s proposed takeover of SABMiller.

The investigation does not mean that the transaction has raised any concerns for the watchdog, simply that it wants to take a closer look at the deal.

Competition law expert John Kettle last year told Australian Brews Newsthat an inquirywould bea matter of procedure for the ACCC, which will use the opportunity to get further insight into the workings of the beer market.

“They’ll look at it, they may publish a statement of issues, but it will go through no problem,” he predicted.

The watchdog has invited comments on the transaction from interested parties with a closing date for submissions of February 15.

It has proposed a date of April 14 to announce its decision.

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