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Commitments and Contingencies
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation and Other Disputes and Environmental
Related to litigation, other disputes and environmental issues, we have an aggregate accrued contingent liability of $71.1 million and $70.2 million as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. While we cannot predict the eventual aggregate cost for litigation, other disputes and environmental matters in which we are currently involved, we believe adequate reserves have been provided for losses that are probable and estimable. For all matters unless otherwise noted below, we believe that any reasonably possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued are immaterial to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Our litigation, other disputes and environmental issues are discussed in further detail within Part II.—Item 8. Financial Statements, Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies" in our Annual Report and did not significantly change during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Other than those disclosed below, we are also involved in other disputes and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the outcome of these proceedings, in our opinion, based on a review with legal counsel, other than as noted, none of these disputes or legal actions are expected to have a material impact on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and an adverse result in these, or other matters, may arise from time to time that may harm our business.
On February 12, 2018, Stone Brewing Company filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in federal court in the Southern District of California against Molson Coors Beverage Company USA LLC ("MCBC USA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of our Company, alleging that the Keystone brand had “rebranded” itself as “Stone” and was marketing itself in a manner confusingly similar to Stone Brewing Company's registered Stone trademark. In the first quarter of 2022, a jury returned a verdict in which it concluded that trademark infringement had occurred and awarded Stone Brewing Company $56.0 million in damages. After denial of post-trial motions, in the fourth quarter of 2023, MCBC USA filed a notice of appeal in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had a recorded accrued liability of $59.5 million and $58.5 million, respectively, within other liabilities on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets reflecting the best estimate of probable loss in this case based on the judgment plus associated post-judgment interest. However, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of the loss could change in the near term based on the progression of the case, including the appeals process. We will continue to monitor the status of the case and will adjust the accrual in the period in which any significant change occurs which could impact the estimate of the loss for this matter.
Regulatory Contingencies
The Province of Ontario and Molson Canada 2005, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of our Company, Labatt Brewing Company Limited, Sleeman Breweries Ltd. (collectively, the "Representative Owners") and BRI, operating under the name The Beer Store ("TBS"), are parties to a Master Framework Agreement ("MFA") that dictates the terms of the beer distribution and retail systems in the Province of Ontario. In December 2023, the Province of Ontario notified the Representative Owners and TBS that it would not be renewing the MFA after the initial term which expires on December 31, 2025. The Province of Ontario simultaneously announced a set of non-binding key principles ("Key Principles") agreed upon between the Province of Ontario, the Representative Owners and TBS, concerning the intended features of the future marketplace for beer distribution and retail systems in the Province of Ontario. Under the Key Principles, TBS will be permitted to continue its retail operations and will continue to be the primary distributor of beer in the Province of Ontario through at least 2031. The Key Principles also state grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations and big-box retailers in the Province of Ontario will be able to apply for licenses to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails starting no later than January 1, 2026. On May 23, 2024, the Representative Owners, TBS and the Province of Ontario (collectively, the "Parties") entered into an Early Implementation Agreement ("EIA") which aligns to the Key Principles that were derived in December of 2023 and replaces the MFA agreement. The EIA is effective August 1, 2024 with certain provisions starting as early as July 18, 2024 and continues until December 31, 2030. In summary, the EIA allows for the expansion of licensed sale of beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails to all convenience stores beginning on September 5, 2024 and all grocery stores beginning on October 31, 2024. In addition, under the EIA, the Province of Ontario will provide financial support to TBS and the representative owners of up to CAD 225 million through reimbursement of costs incurred in connection with the early implementation and to TBS in connection with the operation of the agreed upon retail footprint during the interim period between the commencement date of the EIA and the original expiration date of the MFA. We continue to evaluate the impacts of the EIA and the expected future marketplace for beer distribution and retail systems in the Province of Ontario on our results of operations.
Guarantees and Indemnities
We guarantee indebtedness and other obligations to banks and other third parties for some of our equity method investments and consolidated subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets include liabilities related to these guarantees of $33.9 million and $36.9 million, respectively.
Separately, related to our Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A. ("Kaiser") indemnities, we accrued $10.2 million and $11.8 million, in aggregate, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 respectively. Our Kaiser liabilities are discussed in further detail within Part II.—Item 8. Financial Statements, Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies" in our Annual Report and did not significantly change during the six months ended June 30, 2024.