How about a beer merger without A-B?
FT Alphaville, the blog that broke the story of a possible Inbev offer for Anheuser-Busch, now says that things are pretty far along for Inbev’s Plan B: a merger with SABMiller instead.
The Financial Times blog reports this morning that SABMiller “has quietly indicated” that it would consider a bid of 15 pounds, or about $30, a share, which would value the London-based brewer at about $44 billion. The FT’s sources say, though, that Inbev’s first choice is still to buy A-B. And, it notes, SABMiller can’t talk formally until it completes its U.S. joint venture with MolsonCoors.
I can think of at least one complication for an Inbev-SABMiller combination: Inbev brands such as Beck’s and Stella Artois would lose access to A-B’s extensive U.S. distribution network, where they’re off to a successful start. A-B distributors are enjoying the additional volume, but Miller is A-B’s chief rival, and any sister brand of Miller would not be welcome in the A-B distribution family.
Jeremiah McWilliams’ story today indicates that there are possible problems with Inbev buying A-B, too. If you want to discuss the rampant beer-industry rumors, check out the live chat with Jeremiah at noon today.
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David Nicklaus has covered St. Louis business for more than 25 years. His column appears three days a week on the Post-Dispatch business page. 
I think In-Bev taking over SAB is the best thing that could ever happen to AB. Especially in the coming years of “Buy American” attitudes that will prevail.