Chicago, Jul. 15 - MillerCoors, the joint venture between SABMiller PLC and Molson Coors, announced today that it will locate its headquarters in downtown Chicago. The company will bring between 300 and 400 executive and management jobs to the city beginning in June, 2009.
The decision comes after an extensive search, under the guidance of The Staubach Company (recently merged with Jones Lang LaSalle); the final decision between Dallas and Chicago was announced to MillerCoors employees today. The City of Chicago, State of Illinois and World Business Chicago worked in close partnership to showcase Chicago’s business advantages.
“The decision to select Chicago as the location for our corporate headquarters was made to achieve our goal of becoming the best beer company in America by having access to an attractive base of talent, transportation and business resources,” said Tom Long President MillerCoors. “We are grateful to the State of Illinois and City of Chicago for their support.”
"We are excited that MillerCoors, a company with such a rich history and legacy in the brewing industry, has selected Chicago as the site of its corporate headquarters," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "The company’s decision to locate its headquarters here strengthens our reputation as a world-class city in which to conduct business and confirms that Chicago is a great place to live, work and raise a family."
MillerCoors is finalizing its exact building location within Chicago. The City of Chicago has offered TIF, dependent on the building selection and City Council approval. In addition, the State of Illinois is offering EDGE tax credit and employer training grants, as well as a business development grant. MillerCoors may also be eligible for additional grants and incentives, pending final building selection.
“We are delighted to welcome MillerCoors to our highly engaged business community,” said Rita Athas, executive director of World Business Chicago, the city’s economic development office. “Chicago’s multifaceted transportation system, diverse workforce and strong business culture will help provide a world-class home for MillerCoors.”
SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company announced the closing transaction to combine their U.S. and Puerto Rico operations to create MillerCoors on June 30 and began operation as a combined entity on July 1, 2008.