Anheuser-Busch shareholders OK merger with InBev

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., Nov. 12 - A majority of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. shareholders voted to approved the company's merger with InBev SA/NV at a special meeting on Wednesday.

InBev shareholders approved the merger on Sept. 29, according to an InBev news release.

The companies said they expect to close the transaction by the end of the year.

InBev, a Leuven, Belgium-based brewing company, and St. Louis-based brewer Anheuser-Busch agreed in July to combine to form Anheuser-Busch InBev in a deal valued at $52 billion, or $70 per share.

In October it was reported that Grupo Modelo SAB de CV, its controlling shareholders and its subsidiary, Diblo, SA de CV, filed a notice of arbitration against Anheuser-Busch, Anheuser-Busch International, Inc. and Anheuser-Busch International Holdings, Inc. regarding the proposed merger.

According to Grupo Modelo, a Mexico City beer producer, the arbitration is related to its investment agreement with Anheuser-Busch governed by Mexican law.

The agreement prohibits Anheuser-Busch from transferring or disposing of its interests in Grupo Modelo and Diblo to a competitor in the beer business or without first giving the controlling shareholders of Grupo Modelo an opportunity to purchase the company's shares, a prior news release said.

Both InBev and Anheuser-Busch said they believe the claims made by Grupo Modelo are without merit and do not expect the arbitration to impact the merger's close.

Anheuser-Busch has a reported 50% stake in Grupo Modelo, the importer of its products in Mexico, including Budweiser, Bud Light and O'Doul's.

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