Politics May Block Anheuser-Busch Bid

June 1, 2008
BRUSSLES-Belgian Brewer InBev is offering some big bucks for beer. Its bid to create the world's largest beer company, however, has a major obstacle-politics

BRUSSLES-Belgian Brewer InBev is offering some big bucks for beer. Its bid to create the world's largest beer company, however, has a major obstacle-politics in the U.S. InBev SA, whose brands include Beck's and Stella Artois, made an unsolicited all-cash bid of $65 a share for Anheuser-Busch, maker of Budweiser, Michelob and Bud Light. That's well above the company's most-recent share price of $58.35.

Politicians, however, are already lining up against the deal. Anything that might cost jobs in the United States, and send ownership of an iconic American company overseas, especially in an election year, is going to find some rough going, starting with Republican Gov. Matt Blunt of Missouri, who said he opposes the deal. He has directed the Missouri Department of Economic Development to see if there was a way to put a lid on the deal.

The company issued a neutral statement on the offer: "Anheuser-Busch said that its board of directors will evaluate the proposal carefully and in the context of all relevant factors, including Anheuser-Busch's long-term strategic plan. The board will pursue the course of action that is in the best interests of Anheuser-Busch's stockholders."