Anheuser-Busch stock jumps on report of possible InBev bid

ST. LOUIS -- Anheuser-Busch shares rose $4.03 to close Friday at $56.61 after reaching as high as $58.

The share surge followed a report on the Financial Times website that InBev, the world's biggest brewer by volume, may directly approach Anheuser chief executive August Busch IV.

Anheuser-Busch declined comment, and messages left with InBev were not returned.

"It is our policy to not confirm, deny or speculate on rumors of potential investments, acquisitions, mergers, new business partnerships or other transactions," said W. Randolph Baker, Anheuser-Busch's vice president and chief financial officer.

InBev makes Beck's, Brahma, Stella Artois and Skol beer. Reports of its interest in Anheuser-Busch have circulated for months.

Anheuser-Busch makes Budweiser and Bud Light. The company has an estimated 50.9% domestic market share.

Ken Crawford, an analyst with Argent Capital of suburban St. Louis, said the deal would make sense for Anheuser-Busch.

"We see a company that's very, very profitable, generates a lot of cash," Crawford said of Anheuser-Busch. "The question is: Where and how do they grow? It would not be unrealistic that they look abroad either for acquisitions or to partner with someone."

It would be just the latest deal in a consolidating beer industry. Miller Brewing, the nation's second-largest beer-maker, and No. 3 Molson Coors Brewing are planning to combine U.S. operations in a deal expected to be completed by midsummer. Miller will distribute Grolsch in the U.S. after a February takeover by SABMiller of Europe.

Crawford said the impact on consumers remains to be seen.

"We don't know if greater purchasing power would decrease costs and control prices, or if consolidation in the industry would allow those remaining to price more aggressively," he said.

Anheuser-Busch has been a St. Louis icon since the mid-19th century. Eberhard Anheuser acquired the Bavarian brewery in 1860 and renamed it E. Anheuser & Co. His son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, joined the company in 1864 and it was eventually renamed Anheuser-Busch.