SABMiller bids for Grolsch, others bid for Scottish & Newcastle

This week the volatile beer industry this saw two new developments in its trend toward consolidation, a trend that has led to continued speculation that it will sooner or later force Anheuser-Busch (NYSE:BUD) to make a major move such as entertaining the notion of acquisition by InBev.

BUD's rival SABMiller (OTC:SBMRY) announced it will bid $1.2 billion for European brand Grolsch NV, at a huge 80% premium. Grolsch is popular in its home Netherlands, but SABMiller believes it has great potential for expansion to other world markets. The offer will become official in January, but stockholders are already lining up in support of the generous terms.

Ironically, Grolsch is distributed in the U.S. by Anheuser-Busch.

Second, beer makers Carlsburg and Heineken are partnering on a $15.1 billion offer for U.K. brewer Scottish & Newcastle, maker of one of my favorites, Newcastle Brown Ale, as well as Kronenbourg 1664. The two plan to divvy up S&N's business, with Carlsburg taking Russian, Eastern European, French, Greek and Chinese operations, while Heineken would end up with North American, U.K. and Indian market products. This deal is opposed by S&N's management.