InBev and Anheuser-Busch: the plot twists continue

Reuters is reporting that Carlos Fernandez, a board member of St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch Cos., said he is “unaware of any takeover talks” between InBev of Belgium and Anheuser-Busch.

Fernandez, who is also chief executive of Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s biggest brewer, also said consolidation of the industry could easily involve other major beermakers.

From the report out of Mexico City:

Fernandez also said in an interview that Modelo, which is 50 percent-owned by Anheuser, does not have any agreed option to buy Anheuser’s 50 percent stake, though there are provisions for the American brewer to consult it if it faces a takeover.

Fernandez, who is also on Anheuser’s board, said Modelo, the maker of Corona Beer, has a lot of options and will be examining them. Asked whether he thought Modelo would retain its independence over the next year, he said, “Based on what we have seen today, yes.”