January 8, 2007 -- Here’s a marriage few people expected: Anheuser-Busch and Budejovicky Budvar, brewers of the beer known in many countries as Budweiser Budvar and in North America as Czechvar, have signed an agreement to make the U.S. brewer the exclusive importer of the famous Czech lager in the United States.

Although the two companies have been legally at each others throats for decades, each challenging the other’s use of the name Budweiser, they have apparently agreed to put their differences aside in this case. However, according to the joint press released issued January 8 by the two companies, “The agreement does not impact existing litigation or trademark disputes between the two brewers in other countries, and they have agreed the partnership cannot be used to support either side in any trademark cases.”

(The town of Ceske Budejovice, where the Czech beer has been brewed for over a century, was once known as Budweis, and all the beers brewed therein as “Budweiser” beers.)

The Czech lager was previously imported into the United States by Distinguished Brands International, who were informed last October that their status as agent would not be renewed. Rumors circulating since have had the brand landing with any number of big name importers.

The press release does not state whether the Czech beer will now be allowed to be sold under its original name. The new agreement took effect on January 5, 2007.

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