Inbev bids $46bn for Anhesuer-Busch
Inbev has made an unsolicited $46bn bid for US brewer Anheuser-Busch.
The Budweiser brewer admitted it had received a bid of $65 a share yesterday from Inbev.
The offer represents a 35% premium on the 30-day average share price and an 18% premium on its all-time high share price, recorded in October 2002.
The combined company would generate global beer volumes of $460m hectoliters and net sales of $36.4bn.
Anheuser-Busch said that its board of directors will evaluate the proposal carefully in the context of all relevant factors, including Anheuser-Busch's long-term strategic plan.
A statement said: "The board will review the merits of the proposal consistent with its fiduciary duties and in consultation with its financial and legal advisers.
"The board will pursue the course of action that is in the best interests of Anheuser-Busch's stockholders."
It added: "Anheuser-Busch's board expects to make its determination regarding InBev's proposal in due course."
Inbev chief executive Carlos Brito said: "We have the highest respect for Anheuser-Busch, its employees and its leadership, who have built the leading brewer in the US and grown the iconic Budweiser brand.
"Together, we would draw on the collective expertise of both companies' management and employees.
"We also recognize the great contribution of Anheuser-Busch's wholesalers to the company's success and would work closely with them, under the three-tier system, to create even greater excitement in the marketplace around the brands of both companies.
"The combination will create a stronger, more competitive, sustainable global company which will benefit all stakeholders."
