UK: SABMiller rises on InBev merger reports

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 27 May 2008

The UK-listed brewer SABMiller saw its share index soar 6% this morning (27 May) following reports that InBev had considered making a bid for it.

Reports suggest that the Belgian and Brazilian brewer considered the bid before turning its attention to US producer Anheuser-Busch.

Spokespersons for SABMiller and InBev declined to comment when contacted by just-drinks today (27 May).

It was reported late last week that InBev is looking to launch an offer to acquire the producer of Budweiser, but nothing official has so far been put forward. Reports in the UK press over the weekend have now said that should that bid fail, then the company will revert to bidding for SABMiller.

InBev is believed to be working on a US$46bn bid for Anheuser Busch.

A financing package of $50bn is believed to have been provisionally arranged through JPMorgan and Santander and was discussed at an InBev board meeting on 28 April and at a meeting last week.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: InBev, SABMiller, Anheuser-Busch