This Bud may not be for Anheuser-Busch Cos. (NYSE: BUD) for much longer.
InBev, the Belgian mega brewer, has told the King of Beers that it won't wait forever for it to make up its mind about whether to accept its unsolicited $46.3 billion offer. In the third and probably not the last letter to Anheuser-Busch CEO August Busch IV, InBev CEO Carlos Brito points out that his company's offer, which represents an 18% premium on its all-time high in 2002, is a generous one.
"The market reaction to our proposal has been extremely positive," Brito writes. "We believe this confirms our view that our proposal is the best way to achieve this transformational combination for all constituents."
InBev has already lined up financing for its $65 per share offer and has even paid about $50 million in commitment fees to its bankers. Budweiser's long-time headquarters in St. Louis will be maintained as will its senior management team. It does not get any better than this for a company about to be acquired.
The Busch family, though, reportedly is divided about the InBev offer. Andrew Busch, an uncle of the CEO, has urged the company to remain independent, while Adolfus Busch, another uncle, has urged Anheuser-Busch to take the offer. The company continues to study the proposal, which the Busch family lacks enough stock to block on its own.
There is no doubt that CEO August Busch, who has recently unloaded shares, is also seeking the advice of another "uncle," Warren Buffett. His Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK.A) has been one of Anheuser-Busch's biggest shareholders for years.
Like beer drinkers, stock holders would prefer to see things bubbly rather than flat. If the company does not take InBev's offer, Anheuser-Busch's stockholders will be emptier than a keg after a college fraternity party.
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