It's tough to keep secret a $46 billion deal. That's certainly the case with InBev, which has been rumored to be preparing a mega bid for Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD).
Well, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the scuttlebutt is correct. InBev is offering Anheuser-Busch a mouth-watering $65-per-share buyout.
Of course, it's unsolicited (that is, hostile). I'm sure there will be lots of resistance, but it can't be ignored, the folks at Anheuser-Busch will have to wage a tough battle.
The company has relatively weak defenses. Plus, the founding family only has a small minority stake. More importantly, Anheuser-Busch's shareholders will likely be interested in taking a premium.
Might there be a higher bid? Perhaps, but InBev has put together a good offer, and it will be tough for Anheuser-Busch to find a viable alternative.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
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