Interbrew Ordered to Sell Bass Brewers

British regulators objected to the $3.45-billion purchase of Bass Brewers by Belgium’s Interbrew, saying the deal would stifle competition in the beer industry, and ordered Interbrew to sell the British brewer. Interbrew said the ruling “defies logic,” but stopped short of saying whether it would comply with the order or appeal the decision. The buyout, which was completed in August subject to securing regulatory approval, would make Interbrew the world’s second-biggest brewer after Anheuser-Busch Cos. of the United States. Trade and Industry secretary Stephen Byers said the sale created an “effective duopoly” in Britain between Interbrew and British brewer Scottish & Newcastle. Interbrew, which owns the Rolling Rock brand in North America, will be required to sell Bass to a buyer approved by British trade authorities, he said.