By Andy Young
AB InBev has confirmed reports that it plans to sell a number of European beer brands after it completes the takeover of SABMiller.
Speculation has mounted as to some of the brands that AB InBev would sell to help the SABMiller takeover gain regulatory approval and the brewer has now confirmed that a number of SABMiller's brands will be put up for sale.
A spokesperson for AB InBev said: "In line with its commitment to promptly and proactively address potential regulatory considerations Anheuser-Busch InBev, in close cooperation with SABMiller, is exploring the sale of a number of SABMiller's European premium brands and related businesses.
"AB InBev will contact potential purchasers in the coming weeks to assess their interest in the Peroni and Grolsch brand families and their associated businesses in Italy, the Netherlands and the UK and, given the brand’s premium positioning, UK-based Meantime.
"Any sale may include one or more of these brands or businesses and would be conditional upon closing of the acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev.
"Like the previously announced disposal of the Miller business to Molson Coors, these steps reflect AB InBev’s pro-active approach to addressing potential regulatory concerns."
A US Senate Judiciary Committee has said that it will be meeting this week to discuss the takeover and the state of competition in the beer industry.