USA: Craft Brew Alliance shareholders approve proposed agreement with AB InBev

Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. ("CBA"), a leading craft brewing company, announced that its shareholders voted at a special meeting of shareholders on February 25 to adopt the agreement, announced November 11, 2019, that will create an expanded partnership between CBA and Anheuser-Busch Companies, LLC, with AB InBev agreeing to purchase the remaining CBA shares it does not already own in a merger transaction for $16.50 per share, in cash.

"On behalf of CBA’s Board of Directors and executive team, I would like to thank our shareholders for their overwhelming support of this proposed combination with A-B," said David Lord, Chairman of Craft Brew Alliance. "In addition to delivering value for our shareholders, today’s outcome reflects the tremendous success that CBA and A-B have achieved in their decades-long partnership. By joining with A-B, we look forward to accelerating the potential of CBA’s distinctive portfolio, led by Kona Brewing Company as a truly distinctive lifestyle brand, while continuing to invest in our local communities."

"Today’s decisively positive shareholder vote brings us even closer to cementing our expanded partnership with A-B," added CBA Chief Executive Officer Andy Thomas. "For more than 25 years, our two companies have been working together to enrich the beer landscape with the highest-quality craft beer offerings, and we’re excited to build on that strong foundation and satisfy more consumers as one combined company."

More than 98% of the shares voted by proxy and at the Special Meeting were in favor of the transaction, including a majority of the outstanding shares held by investors other than A-B or its affiliates. CBA will file the final vote results, as certified by the independent Inspector of Election, on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

As previously disclosed, the transaction is expected to close in 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of requisite regulatory approvals.

24 February, 2020