Wisconsin Gov. James Doyle and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett met Monday in Colorado with the two top executives of Molson Coors, a spokesman for the brewing company confirmed Wednesday.
“Gov. Doyle and Mayor Barrett requested a meeting with Leo Kiely and Pete Coors and we accepted,” said Coors spokeswoman Kabira Hatland. “It was a courtesy visit.”
Molson Coors last month announced plans to combine its U.S. operations with SABMiller’s U.S. operations, which are headquartered in Milwaukee.
No announcement on where the joint operation, if it gets federal approval, would be headquartered has been made.
Molson Coors is headquartered in Denver.
Kiely, chief executive of Molson Coors, would serve as CEO of the joint venture, to operate under the name MillerCoors. Pete Coors, vice chairman of Molson Coors, would serve as chairman of MillerCoors.
Hatland wouldn’t say whether the issue of the headquarters location was discussed during the visit.
“We recognize the great legacy that both companies have in their respective hometowns. However, it is simply too early in the process to begin discussions regarding a headquarters location for MillerCoors,” she said.
Kiely also has spoken with Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Hatland said.
Karen Rouse: 303-954-1684 or krouse@denverpost.com
