By Andy Young
The long-running takeover of SABMiller by Anheuser-Busch InBev has finally closed, completing one of the largest-ever corporate takeovers.
The new mega-brewer will now command more than 30 per cent of the global market share. And after the $100 billion-plus takeover the new entity will continue to be known as Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, with SABMiller no longer existing.
Locally the change will see the AB InBev brands including Corona, Stella Artois and Beck’s move back to Carlton & United Breweries from Lion. As part of the compensation package for the termination of Lion’s deal with AB InBev, it will get a cash compensation package of between $250m-$300m.
All orders and deliveries for the AB InBev brands are now all officially handed over to CUB and retailers and hoteliers can contact the brewer on 13 BEER to find out more.
Globally AB InBev has said that it will now benefit from a geographically diversified platform, with a stronger presence in key emerging regions with attractive growth prospects, such as Africa and Latin America.
The company said that the "growth opportunities in these developing markets complements the stability and strength of the company’s strong existing presence in developed markets".
“As a truly global brewer, we will be able to achieve more together than each of us could separately,” said Carlos Brito, CEO of AB InBev.
“We remain focused on delivering superior top-line growth and increasing shareholder value. Building on our strong heritage, passion for brewing and expanded brand portfolio, we are also committed to helping farmers, retailers, entrepreneurs and communities thrive. We are excited to work toward our Dream: Bringing people together for a better world. Our ambition is to build a company to last – not just for a decade, but for the next 100 years.”
Over the course of the year, there were many sub-plots and developments to this story, here's a selection of those:
- Shareholders approve AB InBev deal
- Lion to receive $250m as part of agreement over AB InBev brands
- ACCC will not oppose AB InBev deal
- CUB CEO Ari Mervis to leave as AB InBev clears out SABMiller executives
- AB InBev agrees Snow Beer sale
- AB InBev accepts Asahi bid for Peroni, Grolsch and Meantime beer brands
- Asahi buys more SABMiller brands