I still think ths chances of this happening are slim. One as on of the previous writers wrote the board is made up of 10 members that are from out of town, I guess you could could say this might be bad but I doubt it.Of those directors only 1 has been there not that long since 2001. You must remeber who is the chairman of the board August III , I would be willing to bet the board would not go against him and most of these people are hand picked for a reason. Also it has been quoted by August the IV that thier are measures in place to make sure that this does not happen. The variable in this is the stockholders, I have not been able to find any fund that has more then 5% of stock todate so that would mean that would have to convince alot of people and groups. So here is a thought for shareholders, yes lets get $65 a share right now we all can be rich if we sell it right a way but how know what the stock price will do 10 years from now when more of retire or we can say no because we wnat a company not only run be reat buisnessmen but a long, long line of proud brewers that will take this company no where but up. A-B has delivered nicely on it share of return and on being able to raise dividends for it stock holders. Lets leave the authority to the ones that really know how to make and deliever quality in the beer making buisness. Not to buisness men that know nothing about making beer and only about taking other companies because they can not survive on their only, But to the true KING OF BEER the Busch’s and there long line of tradion and quality.
Long live the king

If this does happen, I can see a lot of negative press and bad PR for the brewing giant. Their image has always been one of true Americana, the success story of the Busch family, the Clydesdales, the association with the Cards, the Superbowl, etc. Whether you are a Budweiser drinker or not, you can’t deny that this brewing giant has carved out a mental territory in the heads of its customers as something as American as apple pie, Coca-Cola or McDonald’s. If this sale goes through, it may cause a backlash/unorganized boycott amongst its core demographic, the average joe beer drinker. It may come to pass that these folks, especially those who are very brand-loyal, the company will lose. Perhaps they wiil find new customers for its InBev products.

Hey gman1958 I am glad as a small share holder you are more concerned with the small profit you may make for the short term compared to the employees,and families that are associated with A-B that will lose out over the long term. Not to mention a nother foriegn company buying an american company.
I might be over stepping here but you seem like the type that would love to make money on the stocks that bring us the lead toys from china. My suggestion move to Europe.

Worrying just won’t fix it…..life goes on.

Add Aloe/Sherwood Medical, HQ in STL, bought out in 1998 by Dennis Koslowski and Tyco, based in the Bahamas. Ever heard of Aloe Plaza? Yup. All gone.

It is really difficult for any family to keep a company going for more than three generations. A-B has for about 5, I think. In that sense they are a success.

Maybe,if they sell, one of the Busches (if interested) will pull an Edwards, like that A.G. Edwards scion who just started a brokerage in Clayton.

As long as they don’t quit producing Busch brand (which is sort of local– try to get it elsewhere in the country). Otherwise, I will become a former beer drinker.

A-B has grown quickly and agressively, buying up other companies around the world–almost dizzyingly-so, for a “conservative St. Louis company.” You can’t fault them for playing the corporate game. But just like it has made acquisitions, it is possible to be bought out itself.

Most people here are lamenting the declining status of St. Louis. Business HQ’s are a measure of status, including the executives and leadership they contain. But there are other forms of leadership, and status.

Look to Sen. Danforth and Joe Edwards. They’re still alive and kicking, making improvements to our community. Look at the countless foundations and volunteer groups that raise money and make improvements to Forest Park and the Gateway Mall. Even if A-B gets sold, the Busches will still be in St. Louis contributing mightily.

For every change, there is always a new opportunity. This could be an opportunity to recognize the local talent we possess in St. Louis. We are still Americans, we believe in pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, doing what we can for ourselves, and helping our neighbors. You DON’T get that in Europe.

STL is becoming the new Detroit!

There are still local brewers who make a good beer that isn’t packed with cheap rice. Schlafly, O’Fallon, and others would appreciate your local business and make much more flavorful products anyway. Drink local!

The A-B buyout is part of a bigger picture of how our local leaders share the lack of self-confidence that so many of us have. We have a great metropolitan area, and some great companies founded here, although as was said before on this blog, St. Louis companies get sold rather than have the vision to expand. St. Louis may be a shadow of our former self, but we are still one to be contended with. If A-B is sold, we should blame August Busch III, not the 4th, because he sat pat for years while he should have been expanding globally. People have been saying it for decades, but he was too stubborn to change. Sounds like someone born and raised in St. Louis, doesn’t it? If August 4th had any balls, he’d turn the tables and buy InBEV. We’re just about the same size and have more to gain than InBEV has if they were to buy us.

It’s kind of weird to see changes like this happen at the places I used to work:
- National Supermarkets
- Brown Shoe
- AG Edwards
- Famous-Barr (May Dept. Stores)
and now Anheuser-Busch (as consultant)

You can’t really win for losing.

If the shareholders’ money stays local, stability is there on EPS, but the chance of vultures circling over you is high.

If the shareholders’ money goes global, EPS can possibly go up, but employee morale and loyalty is low.

$65 per share versus shareholder loyalty to the Busch family and the employees…Hmmmmm!!!!