InBev Brews Plan to Oust Anheuser-Busch Directors

Historic change for American beer king

(NEWSER) - Legendary American brewing company Anheuser-Busch has agreed to a $52 billion takeover bid by the Belgian-Brazilian InBev, building the largest beer firm in the world and ending over 150 years of ownership by the Anheuser and Busch families, the Wall Street Journal reports. The $70-per-share deal is a step up from an earlier, rejected offer. More»

Anheuser-Busch now may face a hostile takeover bid

(NEWSER) - Anheuser-Busch plans to reject Belgian brewer InBev's $46 billion offer to buy the company, the Wall Street Journal reports. The decision is not expected to deter InBev, however, which could launch a hostile takeover bid, the Journal notes. InBev wants to acquire the St. Louis brewer—the maker of Budweiser—to create the world's largest beer maker. More»

InBev prepared to go hostile to grab control of American brewing giant

(NEWSER) - A Belgian brewing giant whose brands include Stella Artois is contemplating a $46 billion takeover of Anheuser-Busch, the Financial Times reports today. If CEO August Busch IV denies Belgium's InBev, as he reportedly did in October, the company may go directly to shareholders. InBev is also contemplating a partnership with SABMiller (Miller and other beers) should its Anheuser plan fall flat. More»

(NEWSER) - The nation’s largest brewers plan to raise beer prices in the fall, the Wall Street Journal reports. Anheuser-Busch InBev—maker of Budweiser—and MillerCoors will further test the notion that beer is generally recession-proof. “The environment is very favorable, we think,” says an Anheuser exec. Both companies have been able to offset sales slumps by raising prices in the last year. More»

Jobs, perks, executive suites disappear

(NEWSER) - Things haven't tasted the same since InBev's takeover—and makeover—of Anheuser-Busch, the Wall Street Journal reports. Cost-cutting has become paramount at a firm once known for its cushy treatment of employees. Jobs have been sliced, executive suites knocked down, and benefits like free baseball tickets made rare. Anheuser-Busch Inbev “is like a start-up,” says the firm’s US boss. “That excites some people and turns off others.” More»