Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

AB-InBev Confirms Interest in SABMiller Takeover

by Emily Lee on Sep 17, 2015 in Beer
AB-InBev Confirms Interest in SABMiller Takeover

Yesterday, Anheuser-Busch InBev approached rival SABMiller with a takeover offer that, if successful, would combine the world’s two biggest brewers into one global beer behemoth.

"AB InBev's intention is to work with SABMiller's Board toward a recommended transaction," the Belgium-based brewing company said in a statement posted on the company's website. "There can be no certainty that this approach will result in an offer or agreement, or as to the terms of any such agreement."

With sales in over 100 countries, AB InBev is the world's largest brewer and has a 25% global market share. It produces more than 200 beers, including Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois. SABMiller boasts aggressive figures of their own; in the year ended March 31, the company sold 324 million hectoliters of soft drinks, lager, and other alcoholic beverages, producing net revenue of $26.2 billion.

Despite each company’s imposing revenue statistics, all is not well in the world of Big Beer. According to Beer Marketer’s Insights, the U.S. market share Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors was 47.7% and 29%, respectively, just five years ago. In 2014, those market share figures dropped to 44.7% and 26%. Meanwhile, craft beer accounted for 11% of U.S. beer sales that same year – the first time that segment reached double digits.

But the two global beer giants are taking necessary precautions. Last week, MillerCoors took a majority stake in Saint Archer, a San Diego craft brewery known for its ales. Just days earlier, Heineken said it would take a 50% stake in Lagunitas Brewing Co., a popular California-based craft brewer known for its irreverent business model.

Though their shares have decreased, AB InBev and SABMiller shipped more than 70% of the beer produced for the U.S. market in 2015. A merger would surely provoke antitrust scrutiny in the United States. To resolve these concerns, beer industry observers have said the U.S. Department of Justice will likely force SABMiller to sell its share of MillerCoors. Molson Coors, the co-owner, would be a likely buyer.

But we can’t know any of this until Anheuser-Busch makes a formal offer. The company has until 5 PM on Oct. 14 to make an offer or walk away under U.K. industry rules.

Photo via Flickr user Chris Yunker


Tags: Beer
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close