Anheuser-Busch InBev NV(EBR:ABI), the Leuven-Belgium based brewer of Budweiser and Stella Artois gained full control of the Grupo Modelo SAB de CV (PINK:GPMCF) (FRA:G4V), the maker of Corona beer after acquiring its remaining 50 percent interest in the company for $20.1 billion in cash.
AB InBev agreed to purchase Grupo Modelo’s share for $9.15 each, which is more than 30 percent of the closing stock price of the company when the acquisition deal was first reported on June 25. The Leuven-Belgium based brewing company first acquired a 50 percent non-controlling interest in Grupo Modelo after buying Anheuser-Busch Cos. for $52 billion in 2008. The deal was considered the largest acquisition within the brewing industry.
The company’s latest acquisition of the Grupo Modelo brands will accelerate its plan to increase its presence in Mexico and other emerging markets. Carlos Brito, CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev said, “There is tremendous opportunity from combining two leading brand portfolios and further expanding Grupo Modelo’s brands worldwide.”
On the other hand, Carlos Fernandez, CEO of Grupo Modelo said that the transaction “will bring our brands and proud heritage to even more consumers internationally while offering an increasing number of AB InBev’s brands in Mexico.”
Dirk Van Vlaanderen, an analyst at Jefferies International described the deal as a strategic move and he gave a buy rating on AB InBev’s stock. He said, “The deal makes compelling strategic sense. Adding the Corona brand to ABI’s existing global beer brand portfolio will continue to strengthen the company’s global category leadership.”
Regulators will still have to review and approve AB InBev’s acquisition deal with Grupo Modelo. According to AB InBev, it will work proactively with regulators to ensure that the review process will move through efficiently. Both companies are expecting to close the transaction by the end of 2013.
Fernandez together with Grupo Modelo’s Vice chairman Maria Asuncion Aramburuzabala and Vice President Valentin Diez Morodo will remain in the company. They will assume important roles in operating the business. Two members of the Grupo Modelo board also made a commitment to invest $1.5 billion in AB InBev stock to join the company’s board.
