Is Miller time up? Canadian licensing deal with Molson Coors to end

Bottles of Coors and Miller beer sit on the counter at the Ugly Mug restaurant and bar Wednesday, July 13, 2011 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

TORONTO -- Miller Brewing Company says it's aiming to end its Canadian licensing agreement with Molson Coors Canada this summer.

The agreement covers such well-known brands as Millers Genuine Draft, Miller Lite and Miller High Life.

Miller's managing director for Canada, Paul Gurr, says there's an opportunity to grow its brands in Canada.

"We see Canada as a country with a rich tradition of beer appreciation and believe we can better serve Canadians needs through this transition," Gurr said in a statement.

Molson Coors Canada has filed a suit in Ontario to prevent the move but Miller says it gave the required six-month notication in January and it expects the termination to take effect on July 22.

Miller Brewing Co. is a subsidiary of SABMiller PLC, a multinational with its headquarters in the United Kingdom.