The world’s largest brewing company, Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, announced this month it is considering a takeover of rival SABMiller plc and has approached the company about this possibility. No bid or offer has been made. The combined company would have a value of approximately $275 billion and would produce about one-third of the world’s beer supply, according to Reuters.
Headquartered in London, SABMiller (the world’s second-largest brewer) traces its roots to the South African gold rush of 1886. It became a leader in southern Africa by building on strategic acquisitions before turning its attention to international markets in the 1990s. In 2002, SAB acquired the Miller Brewing Company and now produces more than 200 beers, including popular brands such as Miller, Peroni, Milwaukee’s Best and Grolsch, in over 80 countries.