Belgian brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, known as AB InBev (BUD, AHBIF.PK), could make a takeover bid worth 70 billion pounds, or about $106 billion, for British brewer SABMiller Plc.
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Both companies have begun “friendly” talks, the report said, but SABMiller is said to be negotiating hard on price.
AB InBev holds a 20 per cent of the global market share in beer and SABMiller, 10 per cent, while the combined group would hold a dominating 78 per cent of the United States beer market, which will invite intense scrutiny from regulators.
Earlier this month AB InBev and SABMiller confirmed a tie-up is being explored, with AB InBev informing SABMiller it intends to make a proposal to acquire the company. The discussions continued into yesterday, with Budweiser owner AB InBev expected to make a firm opening offer within days – possibly tomorrow morning. The pressure is now on SAB’s chairman Jan du Plessis to make sure the company gets the best possible deal. Anheuser-Busch InBev has approached SABMiller about a takeover.
The Sunday Times also reported that another significant SABMiller investor, South African fund manager Allan Gray, which has a £1bn stake in SAB, said it backed the deal.
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In Australia, news of the takeover has generally not been received favourably.
