(1) Except as hereinafter provided, a proposed sale of an interest in the business carried on by a beer wholesaler which under the laws of this State would require that the purchaser obtain a permit to operate as a beer wholesaler is subject to the department’s approval of the purchaser as an applicant for a permit authorizing the sale of beer. If the application of the prospective purchaser for the permit is approved, it is unlawful, notwithstanding the terms, provisions, or conditions of a written or oral contract or the franchise agreement between the beer wholesaler and the registered producer, for a registered producer to fail or refuse to approve the transfer or change of ownership.

(2) Except as hereinafter provided, a proposed voluntary transfer of an interest in the business carried on by a beer wholesaler or a transfer of ownership in the business by reason of death is subject to the registered producer’s approval of the prospective transferee. This approval must not be unreasonably withheld. If the registered producer does not give notice of disapproval by certified mail within sixty days after receipt of notification of the proposed voluntary transfer or within sixty days after the death of the owner of the interest, the right of disapproval may not thereafter be exercised.