Anheuser-Busch $2.5M Settlement for Price Discrimination Claims

Anheuser-Busch LLC has agreed to pay $2,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged price discrimination in wholesale prices charged to certain Fresno and Madera County retailers by Donaghy Sales LLC for Anheuser-Busch beer. This settlement provides payments based on the volume of Anheuser-Busch beer purchased by eligible retailers from Donaghy Sales LLC during the period from October 10, 2010, to December 31, 2014.

Can I Claim an Award?

The settlement is available to those who meet the following criterea:

• Owned retail business establishments in Fresno and Madera Counties
• Must have purchased Anheuser-Busch beer from Donaghy Sales LLC during the period from October 10, 2010, through December 31, 2014.
• Classified in the Donaghy sales database with these specific channel descriptions and channel ID numbers:some text
  • Convenience (Cid# 190)
  • Oil and Service (Cid# 195)
  • Grocery (Cid# 265)
  • Gas and Convenience (Cid# 294)
  • Package Liquor (Cid# 200)
  • Mom and Pop (Cid# 175)
  • Deli (Cid# 180), Bodega (Cid# 185)
  • Package Liquor (Cid# 290)

Retailers who received a postcard notification of this lawsuit with a claim identification number are within the class.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The settlement provides class members with their proportionate share of the $2.5 million settlement fund after deductions for any allowed attorneys' fees and expenses, service awards to the class representatives, and costs of notice and administration of the settlement. Your proportionate share will be calculated based on your purchases of Anheuser-Busch beer from Donaghy Sales LLC during the class period.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Class members must provide supporting documentation such as receipts, invoices, or other evidence to verify the correct purchase totals if they disagree with the stated purchase totals provided by Donaghy Sales LLC's sales database.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you need to visit the settlement website and enter the required information to complete and electronically sign the online claim form. Alternatively, you can submit your claim by mail along with any required information. The Claim Form must be signed and submitted online or postmarked by September 20, 2024.

It is important to keep the Settlement Administrator informed of your current mailing address and contact information. You can update your information by visiting the Settlement Website, calling 1-888-352-1373, or emailing info@FresnoBeerLitigation.com.

You are required to include your Claim ID and Pin with your submission, which can be found on the notice letter you received.

How do I Get Paid?

Class members who submit valid claims will receive their proportionate share of the settlement fund. The payment method will be determined by the Settlement Administrator and may include checks or electronic payments.

$2,500,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The settlement amount is $2,500,000. This amount will be used to pay class members their proportionate share based on their purchases of Anheuser-Busch beer from Donaghy Sales LLC during the class period. The settlement fund will also cover attorneys' fees, litigation expenses, service awards to the class representatives, and the costs of notice and administration of the settlement.

Class Counsel will ask the Court for an award of attorneys' fees of $625,000 (which is 25% of the Settlement Fund) and reimbursement of litigation expenses in the approximate amount of $750,000. The five Class Representatives will each receive a service award of $5,000 for their time and effort in representing the Class Members.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: September 20, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing Date: November 5, 2024

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The lawsuit contends that between October 10, 2010, and December 31, 2014, Anheuser-Busch LLC and Donaghy Sales LLC allegedly violated beer pricing and other laws by discriminating in the wholesale prices Donaghy charged to beer retailers in Fresno and Madera counties through the distribution of consumer coupons to retailers. Anheuser-Busch and Donaghy deny all wrongdoing and liability. The parties agreed to resolve the case before these issues were decided by the Court.

The Class Representatives and Defendants agreed to a settlement to avoid the cost and risk of further litigation and to ensure that class members receive payments more quickly. The Class Representatives and Class Counsel believe that the settlement is in the best interests of all class members.