USA: Labatt opens new headquarters in Buffalo

Glen Walter, president of Labatt USA, announces the June 2007 opening of the new corporate headquarters in Buffalo, NY, a thank you to the region that buys and sells more of America's top Canadian beer than any other area nationwide, PRNewswire reported June 14.

Just one hour from the company's Toronto offices, Walter and his sales and marketing team is relocating from Norwalk, Ct. to the Key Center (50 Fountain Plaza) in downtown Buffalo, occupying 8,500 square feet. Ready to open June 18, 2007, the space features marketing/sales offices and a sports-themed bar that serves as a tasting room and brand showcase for private guests. Tim Geitz of Geitz Design Associates, based in Westport, Ct., served as the architect.

According to Walter, a longtime InBev USA and Labatt USA veteran, "I am pleased to go back to our regional roots, where we were headquartered years ago. We appreciate the important role Buffalo has played in our company's progress and are looking forward to becoming an integral part of the city's business community and social fabric. With close proximity to Canada, our core customers, and key business partners, Buffalo is important to Labatt USA's next phase of growth."

In the Niagara region, Labatt USA is not only living and working in the market that boasts a 28 percent share, but also alongside key business partners. Try-It Distributing sells 1.8 million cases of Labatt USA product annually. Greater Buffalo is home to hundreds of vibrant Labatt Blue accounts, from sports bars and fine dining restaurants to busy convenience stores and major supermarkets, all partners in making Labatt Blue America's top-selling Canadian beer. Labatt Blue is also a proud supporter of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and Buffalo Bisons, among other organizations and events, and is a member of the National Safe Boating Council.

Labatt USA is responsible for importing and marketing Labatt Blue(TM), Labatt Blue Light(TM), Kokanee(TM) and other Canadian brands into the United States. Labatt USA also imports and markets Brahma beer from Brazil, the latest entry into the InBev portfolio of brands. InBev is the world's leading global brewer by volume with over 85,000 people, running operations in over 30 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.

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