Imagine being able to say your company is responsible for producing one third of the world’s beer – has a nice ring to it, right?

Well it looks like Anheuser-Busch InBev might soon be able to say that with a straight face, this after they announced that they had made a takeover bid for SABMiller. Over to the BBC:

AB InBev said it had approached SABMiller’s board about a “combination of the two companies”.

However, it added that there was no certainty the approach would lead to an offer or an agreement…

“Let’s get this straight, this is a takeover by AB InBev of SABMiller. It’s not a merger,” said Larry Nelson, editor of the industry trade magazine, Brewer’s Guardian.

Anheuser-Busch InBev are responsible for names like Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona, which means that should they acquire SABMiller the firm would be valued around at least $230bn (R3,06 trillion). More from the BBC:

AB InBev has an eye on the South African markets where SAB Miller dominates in 15 countries, and has a presence in a further 21.

A merger would also strengthen its grip on South America and Mexico which are by far its most profitable markets.

This deal has long been anticipated but analysts believe AB InBev was held back from making an offer because of high levels of debt built up through a string of other purchases.

I think I speak for most of us when I say as long as the beer is cold it’s fine by us, but if anyone starts trying to shovel Bud down my throat we will need to have some stern words.

[source:bbc]