AB InBev Gets Offer From Asahi To Buy Part Of SABMiller's European Business

(RTTNews) - In line with its commitment to proactively address potential regulatory considerations, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD) or AB InBev said it has been exploring the sale of certain of SABMiller plc's European premium brands and their related businesses, excluding certain US rights, and confirmed that it has received a binding offer from Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. to acquire them.

Asahi's offer values the Peroni, Grolsch, and Meantime brand families and associated businesses in Italy, the Netherlands, UK and internationally at 2.550 billion euros on a debt free/cash free basis.

AB InBev has agreed to a period of exclusivity with Asahi in respect of these brands and businesses while these consultation processes are ongoing.

Asahi's offer, if accepted by AB InBev, is conditional on the successful closing of the recommended acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev as announced on 11 November 2015, which itself contains certain regulatory pre-conditions and conditions,including approval by the European Commission of Asahi as a purchaser of the Peroni, Grolsch and Meantime brand families and related businesses.