Could there be a big NC beer distribution deal on the way?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina’s beer industry is closely following a potential business deal that could dramatically transform local distribution channels.

In the past few months, several Triangle Business Journal sources have indicated that Greensboro-based R. H. Barringer, a large beer-distribution company, may bring Raleigh’s R.A. Jeffreys under its umbrella.

Neither Jeffreys or Barringer would confirm or return messages to talk about the potential marriage. Bottle shops in the Triangle region and a few craft brewers believe a deal may be in the works, and that it could be announced as early as this month.

The rumored deal may be of interest to Charlotte craft breweries, as Jeffreys’ relationship with Anheuser-Busch InBev has come under scrutiny as part of a lawsuit aimed at overturning North Carolina’s self-distribution cap.

Barringer, meanwhile, distributes staples from local breweries such as Wooden Robot Brewery, Sugar Creek Brewing Co. and Sycamore Brewing Co.

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Cox Media Group