AB InBev is allset and clear to acquire SABMiller

Anheuser-Busch InBev the Belgium Breweries has received a fair trade approval from CCI's to acquire its rival SABMiller for about USD 107 billion. The company had announced last year that it had completed an agreement to acquire SABMiller Plc, one of the largest deal in the breweries sector.

The company is the world's largest brewer with a market share of 25 percent globally. With a portfolio of 200 brands which includes global brands Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois, international brands Beck's, Hoegaarden and Leffe and local brands such as Bud Light, Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Quilmes, Victoria, Modelo Especial, Michelob Ultra, Harbin, Sedrin, Klinskoye, Sibirskaya Korona, Chernigivske and Jupiler. SABMiller would be added to its latest portfolio after the deal is signed.

In India, SABMiller operated under brands such as Haywards 5000 and Knockout. It holds second position after Heineken-backed United Breweries. Presently AB InBev imports its premium brands such as Stella Artois and Hoegaarden and is bottling Budweiser in India at its two plants located in Maharashtra and Telangana.

Its primarily involved in production, marketing and distribution of beer in India production, marketing and distribution of beer with 70,000 employees around the world. The company has presence globally in around 80 Countries, and has a revenue of US$ 22.311 billion

According to TechSci research, the deal would be a major boost to the company and would also help in acquiring a major market share. India being a major market for beer sales with around 280 million cases being sold annually. The deal is anticipated to further strengthen the sales strategies of the companies and further capture the market share.

The Indian market is largely dominated by the Whiskey market and companies are trying to promote mild beer in India which is largely untapped.