Posted on June 15, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Filed under: Acquisitions | Deal International | Divesting and Restructuring
Tagged: AB InBev , Barclays , CVC

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Anheuser-Busch InBev NV may be shopping its Central European operations. The Belgian newspaper Le Soir reported on Saturday the world's largest beermaker is considering a divestiture of 11 breweries in seven countries. 

AB InBev hasn't confirmed the rumor, but a sizable divestiture would be in line with the company's strategy to pay down its debt. The brewer took on $45 billion in debt to complete its $52 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch Cos.  

In May it sold South Korean Oriental Brewer, the No. 2 South Korean beermaker, to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. for $1.8 billion. AB InBev has also divested its stake in Labatt USA and in Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd.

According to Le Soir, AB InBev has been disappointed in the performance of its Central European brewers, which have failed to gain market share. Barclays plc (NYSE:BCS) is said to be advising on the possible sale, and private equity firm CVC is reportedly an interested buyer. - Suzanne Stevens


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