Anheuser-Busch InBev Q4 & FY 2016 results – Preview

Ahead of the release on Thursday of Anheuser-Busch InBev’s results for the fourth quarter and the 12 months of 2016, here’s a look at the events that shaped the three months to the end of December for the brewing giant.

• The results for the fourth-quarter will be the first to include SABMiller, after ABI completed its acquisition of the world’s second-largest brewer in early-October.

So long, SAB – Anheuser-Busch InBev and the death of SABMiller – Click here for a just-drinks comment

• Shortly afterwards the newly-enlarged brewer kicked off its pre-announced raft of SAB divestments worth a combined US$4.4bn.
• In mid-October, the group’s venture capital unit, ZX Ventures,  purchased US homebrew supply company Northern Brewer.
• At the end of the month, company CEO Carlos Brito said he believes consumers are growing “tired of choice” when it comes to craft beer, a comment that caused quite a stir among craft beer fans.
• US marketing head Jorn Socquet was promoted to a new global marketing role within ABI at the start of November.
• A few days later, the company agreed to acquire Texas craft brewer Karbach.
• In mid-November, the firm’s Canadian unit, Labatt Breweries, outlined plans to end a benefits policy that gives free beer to all of its retirees.
• AB InBev ended 2016 with the final outstanding major divestments of SAB assets, as Asahi agreed to acquire SAB’s former operations in Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, the company offloaded SAB’s near-30% stake in Distell .

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