Molson Coors Beverage Co.

said a planned restructuring will lay off hundreds of employees across Canada,

the United States and Latin America, but that no

Canadian breweries or offices will shut down as part of the move.

The beer company said on Monday it plans to eliminate approximately 400 salaried positions in total, or about nine per cent of its workforce, across the Americas by the end of December.

A company spokesperson said in an email they are not providing a breakdown of the

layoffs

by country or province at this time.

The spokesperson said that the restructuring had nothing to do with the U.S. trade war.

“No, this move is not driven by tariffs,” she said. “

It’s part of a broader strategy to streamline operations across the Americas and reinvest in growth areas like core brands, premium mixers, non-alcoholic drinks and energy beverages.”

The company said that the eliminated positions include some that were already open from role prioritization efforts put in place earlier this year, as well as workers who may be granted voluntary severance.

“We’ve made progress on our transformation journey, but given the environment, we must transform even faster,” Molson’s chief executive Rahul Goyal said in a press release.

Goyal said the company will share more details on the strategy in the coming months.

Molson Coors said part of the plan is “putting the right level of resources closer to its consumers” as it pursues a return to growth.

It expects to incur charges in the range of US$35 million to US$50 million relating primarily to cash severance payments and post-employment benefits in connection with the restructuring.

“These are never easy decisions and I am grateful to those who will be departing for their many contributions and to those who will continue to guide us on our journey toward growth,” said Rahul.

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The Canada–U.S. multinational corporation Molson Coors Beverage owns

Molson Breweries

, Canada’s oldest company since Hudson’s Bay shut down. While Molson Breweries merged with U.S.-based Coors Brewing in 2005, it remains partially Canadian owned and is now one of the world’s largest beer makers.

The company dates back to 1786, when North America’s oldest beer brewery was founded in Montreal. Molson Canadian, first brewed in 1959, remains one of the country’s most iconic beer brands.

Molson Coors employs more than 2,500 workers in Canada and has nine breweries across the country.

• Email: dpaglinawan@postmedia.com