Gulp! Budweiser eyes takeover of Peroni to create $230bn mega-brewer

The two biggest brewers in the world are in takeover talks to create a $230bn (£150bn) booze giant, it has been revealed. FTSE-100 brewer SABMiller has confirmed takeover interest from bigger rival AB InBev - the maker of Budweiser and Stella Artois. SAB, which produces beer brands including Grolsch and Peroni, announced the approach following months of talk surrounding a possible bid. Its statement said: “The board of SABMiller notes the recent press speculation and confirms that Anheuser-Busch InBev has informed SABMiller that it intends to make a proposal to acquire SABMiller.”

There can be no certainty that this approach will result in an offer or agreement, or as to the terms of any such agreement.

SABMiller statement

SABMiller, which employs 69,000 people in more than 80 countries, produces 200 beer brands and has annual sales of almost £17bn. AB InBev has 155,000 staff and a huge portfolio of major brands including Stella Artois, Corono, Beck’s, Leffe and Hoegaarden. Any takeover would be subject to regulatory clearances, which could require AB Inbev to sell a number of brands to satisfy any competition concerns.

Let’s get this straight, this is a takeover by AB InBev of SABMiller. It’s not a merger.

Larry Nelson, editor of the industry trade magazine, Brewer’s Guardian

Business SABMiller