E-Malt.com News article: USA & Belgium: InBev declines comment on Anheuser-Busch merger talk

InBev has declined to comment on a report that Belgian brewer has held merger talks with US rival Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc., Thomson Financial reported February 1.

The Wall Street Journal, citing industry sources, reported the groups have held discussions about a potential merger and may finalise a deal this year.

A spokeswoman said the group would not be drawn into speculation.

The brewers would want to take advantage of fast-moving consolidation in the beer industry, the newspaper said.

Rumours of a tie-up between the brewing giants is longstanding. A report in February last year said the companies held exploratory merger talks. InBev also declined to comment then.

Last week, Heineken NV and Carlsberg AS announced a joint acquisition offer for Scottish & Newcastle PLC in a 7.4 bln stg deal.

InBev, the world's largest brewer by volume, was created in Sept 2004 via the merger of Interbrew and Companhia de Bebidas das Americas (AmBev).

It has operations spanning Europe, North and Latin America and Asia Pacific, and has an estimated global market share of 15 pct. It has a portfolio of over 200 brands.


01 February, 2008