LEUVEN, Belgium -- Anheuser-Busch completed its acquisition of SABMiller on Oct. 10, following approvals by shareholders of both companies and regulatory officials in all the major countries in which the companies operate.
The combined company will have operations in virtually every major beer market and an expanded portfolio that includes global, multiple-country and local brands, providing more choices for consumers around the world, the company said. Customers will benefit from a broad distribution network and strong brand-building expertise.
The company will also continue to develop its business in partnership with its suppliers as it continues brewing the best beers using the best ingredients, it said.
AB InBev will 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 growth opportunities in these developing markets complement 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, which will retain the same corporate name. “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.”
With the completion of the $104 billion deal, AB InBev's share of MillerCoors, Chicago, will be sold to Molson Coors Brewing, essentially maintaining beer sales share in the United States as it stands today: 45% for AB InBev and 26% for MillerCoors.
MillerCoors also will take over ownership of the Miller brewing brand worldwide.
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