LEUVEN, Belgium -- The combined Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller will begin operating and trading on international stock exchanges as a single entity Oct. 11 if all goes as scheduled.
The two companies, which announced intentions to merge in November, release a timetable of the remaining actions necessary to close the deal. Most of the events--including proxy voting by SABMiller shareholders and stock exchange relistings--will occur overseas in Denmark and South Africa, home bases to AB InBev and SABMller, respectively.
The $104 billion combination of the world's two largest beer brewers will "create a truly global brewer," said AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito, "providing more choices for beer drinkers, including global and local brands, in new and existing markets around the world."
In the United States, the result will be negligible. In a pre-emptive move to appease U.S. regulators, SABMiller agreed to sell its 52% share of the MillerCoors joint venture and ownwerhip of the Miller beer brand to Molson Coors.
While the merger is expected to be completed Oct. 10, the new company will commence listings on the Euronext Brussels, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Mexico Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange on Oct. 11
The new name of the combined AB InBev and SABMiller has yet to be announced. In the latest regulatory documents, the combined company is refered to as Newbelco, short for new Belgian company.
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