US: InBev hit by further info request for Anheuser-Busch buy

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 19 August 2008

InBev has been asked for further information from the US Department of Justice before receiving clearance for its acquisition of Anheuser-Busch.

The Belgium-based brewer, which finally won A-B's approval of a US$52bn bid last month, said today (19 August) that it has received a 'Second Request' from the Department of Justice, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, regarding its move for the US company.

InBev said the request was a "normal and expected part of the regulatory process".

"InBev remains confident that the transaction will receive regulatory approval and continues to expect to close the transaction by the end of this year," the company concluded.

Once complete, the transaction, equating to $70 per share, will see A-B's president and CEO, August Busch IV, and one other current or former A-B director join the InBev board, with the US brewer becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of InBev. The combined entity will henceforth be known as Anheuser-Busch InBev, with St. Louis, Missouri being the North American headquarters and home of the flagship Budweiser brand. InBev has maintained that no A-B breweries in the US will be closed.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: InBev, Anheuser-Busch