The tempo of consolidation in the industryhas increased dramatically in 1999 and early 2000 with a number of major acquisitions andmergers.
Tempo of Consolidation in Beer Industry Increasing
The world's leading brewing groupsmarginally increased their share of the global beer market in 1998 with the top 20accounting for 57% of global sales compared to their share of 48% in 1993, according tothe latest Global Brewer Handbook from Canadean, the leading international beverageanalysts. Most of this share growth has been due to consolidation through mergers andacquisitions. Of particular note are Interbrew's acquisition of Labatt (and throughthem a 30% stake in Mexican brewer FEMSA) and Anheuser-Busch's acquisition of a 50%equity stake in Mexico's largest brewer, Modelo.