It was suggested that, with Whitbread sold, Interbrew#;s market share would be suitably diminished. The company would then be in a stronger position with European authorities to challenge Byers#;s decision ordering Interbrew to sell Bass.
Belgium: Interbrew considers Whitbread sale – paper
Interbrew, the Belgian brewer, is considering defying the UK trade secretary and selling its Whitbread beer arm in an effort to keep its Bass Brewers operations, it was reported today in The Guardian.