FTC Settlement with Southern Glazer's Targets Illegal Price Discrimination Against Small Businesses

The Federal Trade Commission has secured a settlement agreement with Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits LLC, the nation's largest distributor of wine and spirits, over allegedly illegal price discrimination practices.

The FTC said the settlement will redress those practices and make it easier for small businesses to compete against large chain retailers.

"Settlement with Southern Glazer's will help level the playing field for small businesses and facilitate consumer access to lower-priced wine and spirits at local retailers," the agency said.

Southern Glazer's is described in the release as the country's largest distributor of wine and spirits. The FTC announced the agreement in a press release published on its website.

The agency did not disclose the financial terms of the settlement or a timeline for its implementation in the release.

The FTC said the agreement is intended to support competition among retailers and to give consumers more access to lower-priced wine and spirits at local stores.