BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[7-Eleven Private Label Beer May Drain Big Brewers]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/19/7-eleven-private-label-beer-may-drain-big-brewers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/19/7-eleven-private-label-beer-may-drain-big-brewers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/19/7-eleven-private-label-beer-may-drain-big-brewers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though by some estimates, consumer spending has topped its 2008 peak (really!) there is no denying that many businesses are still offering rock-bottom prices to lure shoppers out of their shells. You can now add convenience store chain 7-Eleven to the list.

The company just announced that it will be offering a lower-priced private label beer in an effort to connect with Americans looking for a cold brew this summer. The label is called "Game Day," and will be produced by City Brewing of Wisconsin -- a facility that joined up with Boston Beer (SAM) in 2007 to craft its flagship Sam Adams lager.

Continue reading 7-Eleven Private Label Beer May Drain Big Brewers

7-Eleven Private Label Beer May Drain Big Brewers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholanheuser-buschbeerboston beerbudfeaturedinbevinthenewsmolson coorssamsbmrytapMon, 19 Apr 2010 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[AB InBev hangs on to Beck's brand ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/ab-inbev-hangs-on-to-becks-brand/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/ab-inbev-hangs-on-to-becks-brand/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/ab-inbev-hangs-on-to-becks-brand/#commentsFiled under: ,

Beck's beerFirst brewed in 1873, Beck's beer is crisp, fresh, and "full of character." It's also still part of the growing AB InBev family. Anheuser-Busch InBev, which is of course the Belgian-based parent of Anheuser-Busch (BUD), has abandoned plans to sell the German beer brand to Bain Capital.

According to a German magazine, citing financial sources, this was really an eleventh-hour decision, as the contracts were already drawn up and Bain had secured $2.54 billion in financing.

Continue reading AB InBev hangs on to Beck's brand

AB InBev hangs on to Beck's brand originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anheuser-buschanheuser-busch inbevAnheuser-buschInbevBain capitalBainCapitalbecks beerBecksBeerbudbuyoutsinbevinthenewsMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Money winners of 2008: Warren Buffett, briefly the "world's richest man" again]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/12/money-winners-of-2008-warren-buffett-briefly-the-worlds-rich/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/12/money-winners-of-2008-warren-buffett-briefly-the-worlds-rich/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/12/money-winners-of-2008-warren-buffett-briefly-the-worlds-rich/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This post is part of our feature on Money Winners of 2008. See all 20.

Well, "my pal Warren" did it again. "The richest man in the world" -- it has a nice ring to it.

Though the moniker did not last throughout the year due to the violent markets, and his significant holdings in insurance, Geico and General RE; banking, US Bancorp (NYSE: USB) and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC); and credit card company American Express (NYSE: AXP), which all dropped, he is still viewed as the top investment guru in the world, deserving his title -- the Oracle of Omaha. These are likely only temporary setbacks and he may very well be back on top soon.

Warren Buffett has been alternating places with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) founder Bill Gates over the past decade. Since Microsoft shares are only down about 35% this year, less than the overall market, and since that remains his largest holding, Gates edged out Buffett at last measure. Although Buffett is notorious for not investing in "tech-stocks," he has stated he did buy 100 shares of Microsoft after he and Gates became friends.

It has been quite a year indeed for Buffett because in all the market turmoil he has remained very active, and he has advised both presidential candidates when asked, though he has supported the Democratic Party and president-elect Barack Obama, who has more actively sought his advice as of late.

Continue reading Money winners of 2008: Warren Buffett, briefly the "world's richest man" again

Money winners of 2008: Warren Buffett, briefly the "world's richest man" again originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anheuser buschAXPBerkshire HathawayBRK.ABRK.BBUDfeaturedGEGeicoGeneral REGSInBevinbev nvMoney Winners 2008MSFTSheldon LiberUSBWarren BuffettWFCFri, 12 Dec 2008 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Was that a win or loss? BUD is no more; GLW, FSLR, HPQ, HD]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/18/closing-bell-was-that-a-win-or-loss/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/18/closing-bell-was-that-a-win-or-loss/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/18/closing-bell-was-that-a-win-or-loss/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Today was another one of those days where it was hard to tell if the market was up. The market gapped up and then posted a great morning rally, and then proceeded to give back most of the gains from noon until late in the afternoon. Housing was dismal, producer prices were down, and Bernanke and Paulson testified about the TARP usage.

Below are today's unofficial closing bell levels:
DJIA: 8,424.75 +151.17 +1.83%
NASDAQ: 1,483.27 +1.22 +0.08%
S&P 500: 859.12 +8.37 +0.98%
Analyst Calls: Top Upgrades and Top Downgrades

Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. (NYSE: BUD) is no more..... The merger was completed today with InBev and the stock will now be European listed and be called Anheuser-Busch InBev. Shareholders of common stock receive $70.00 per share in cash as part of this $52 billion merger.

Corning Inc. (NYSE: GLW) gave disappointing LCD panel guidance which was "below" the $1.1 to $1.2 billion in revenues previously offered and "at the low end of below" the $0.20 to $0.28 EPS range previously offered just a few weeks ago. Shares were down 7% right before the the close.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Was that a win or loss? BUD is no more; GLW, FSLR, HPQ, HD

Closing Bell: Was that a win or loss? BUD is no more; GLW, FSLR, HPQ, HD originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BUDclosing bellClosingBellFSLRGLWHDHPQInbevTue, 18 Nov 2008 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Merger of beer giants all comes down to Rochester]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/14/merger-of-beer-giants-all-comes-down-to-rochester/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/14/merger-of-beer-giants-all-comes-down-to-rochester/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/14/merger-of-beer-giants-all-comes-down-to-rochester/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Who knew that the fate of world beer would one day be in the hands of the beer faithful in Rochester, New York? The tastes of this blue-collar town, along with neighbors Syracuse and Buffalo, are key in the pending acquisition of Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) by Belgian giant InBev, SA. The three cities make up half of the U.S. consumption of Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light. Due to the popularity of Labatt brews and Budweiser brands in upstate New York, the U.S. Justice Department worries that beer prices might rise in Rochester.

So, if the acquisition is to be approved, giving Europeans control over America's iconic beer brands, InBev is being asked to sell the Labatt USA subsidiary. Other major InBev brands, including Stella Artois, Becks, and Bass, are not considered competitive enough in any markets to reduce competition between beers and provide upward pressure on prices.

Nope, it all comes down to Rochester and its surprisingly European tastes. Who would have thought?

Merger of beer giants all comes down to Rochester originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anheuser-buschbeerbudbudweiserinbevinthenewslabattmergernew yorkNewYorkrochesterFri, 14 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What if BUD don't get bought?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/24/what-if-bud-dont-get-bought/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/24/what-if-bud-dont-get-bought/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/24/what-if-bud-dont-get-bought/#commentsFiled under: ,

The credit crisis has ruined a number of M&A deals, so why not the InBev transaction to buy Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) and create the world's largest brewer?

The problem may not be so far fetched. Most of the money needed to close the transaction is debt.

According to Reuters, "A banking industry meltdown and corresponding market volatility has already caused the Belgium-based brewer to postpone a $13.4 billion rights issue it planned in connection with the deal."

The InBev management may say that BUD is worth less now as the economy has faltered. The Anheuser-Busch board may not buy that. They like the $70 a share offer they have now. But, do they have any choice to take less? Maybe not.

BUD trades at $58, which means that some risk of problems with InBev are already in the stock. But, before word of the deal leaked, BUD traded below $50. If the board walks now, especially given how far the overall stock market is off, shares could drop well below $40.

Anheuser-Busch is trapped by the 40% drop in most of the equity indexes. Its shareholders are about to be hammered. Look for a deal to get done at $55. BUD don't have any leverage to do better.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 24/7 Wall St.

What if BUD don't get bought? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BUDInBevinthenewsFri, 24 Oct 2008 04:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Banks booze up on InBev debt]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/31/banks-booze-up-on-inbev-debt/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/31/banks-booze-up-on-inbev-debt/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/31/banks-booze-up-on-inbev-debt/#commentsFiled under: ,

A friend of mine was part of the team that worked on an acquisition for InBev, which is the mega Belgian beer company. He was impressed with the company's merger skills and had little doubt the transaction would work.

Well, global investors are impressed too (which is no easy feat in this tough global economic environment). In fact, according to a piece in the Wall Street Journal (subscription required), it looks like InBev is effectively managing the $45 billion in debt financing for the acquisition of Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD).

No doubt, this is a complicated process. After all, InBev has organized a syndicate of top banks, which include Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM), Barclays Capital, Royal Bank of Scotland, ING Bank, Banco Santander, BNP Paribas, Fortis, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi and Mizuho Corporate Bank.

For the most part, the senior management team at InBev understands the global financial world (keep in mind that there is a deep bench of former investment bankers). Besides, the company has been diligent with maintaining a strong credit rating, which helps to minimize the financing risk.

In other words, to get a big deal completed nowadays, the quality needs to be top-notch. And, for the most part, InBev fits the bill.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates MergerBook.com.

Banks booze up on InBev debt originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>InBevSun, 31 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[InBev-Anheuser-Busch transaction will create an M&A hangover?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/inbev-anheuser-busch-transaction-will-create-an-manda-hangover/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/inbev-anheuser-busch-transaction-will-create-an-manda-hangover/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/inbev-anheuser-busch-transaction-will-create-an-manda-hangover/#commentsFiled under: ,

For hungry Wall Street investment bankers, the $45 billion merger of InBev and Anheuser-Busch Cos. (NASDAQ: BUD) is a nice relief. Yes, it means lots of juicy fees.

Another big winner is Busch IV (the CEO of Anheuser). Apparently, he is negotiating a consulting agreement that may exceed $10 million (there will be a $120,000 monthly retainer through December 31, 2013).

But according to a piece in Reuters, the transaction may have a dark side. Simply put, it hasn't been easy to raise the debt financing. As a result, this may crowd out some of the financing of other M&A deals.

The high rates on the InBev financing is likely to push up other debt costs on other pending transactions. What's more, there will be a flood of bond issuances on the market, which will put further pressure on the debt markets.

In other words, we may see a slowdown in M&A activity for the rest of the year -- except for those buyers that have substantial balance sheets.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates MergerBook.com.

InBev-Anheuser-Busch transaction will create an M&A hangover? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anheuser-buschbudinbevMAMon, 18 Aug 2008 09:19:00 EST<![CDATA[If the dollar was stronger would BUD buy InBev?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/if-the-dollar-was-stronger-would-bud-buy-inbev/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/if-the-dollar-was-stronger-would-bud-buy-inbev/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/if-the-dollar-was-stronger-would-bud-buy-inbev/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We have posted numerous articles about the acquisition of Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) by InBev (NV) and it now looks like the deal has been done at a price of $70 per share. However, what made this deal work for InBev might have been that the dollar has fallen so far.

The exchange rate between the dollar and Euro gives InBev a 30% to 35% discount making the acquisition price seem like a great deal for BUD shareholders but an even better one for InBev shareholders. And if the the currency exchange rates shift back over time then all the shareholders win.

This means that Americans will be answering to the Dutch Belgians. If the dollar had gained against the Euro instead of becoming weaker is it possible that Anheuser-Busch (BUD) would have bought out InBev (NV)? If the dollar stays down or drifts lower as seems likely right now look for more M&A activity from abroad.

In the mean time, since 'my pal Warren', is the largest shareholder of BUD through Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) and supports the deal, will he remain a shareholder of the new company? No doubt this increases the value of Berkshire, but does this set the stage for Buffett to enter the European market in a big way?

Sheldon Liber is the CEO of a small private investment company and the principal for design and research at an architecture & planning firm. He writes the columns Chasing Value and Serious Money. Disclosure: I own shares of BRK.B.

If the dollar was stronger would BUD buy InBev? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anheuser-BuschBerkshire HathawayBerkshireHathawayBRK.ABRK.BBUDdollarfeaturedinbevinbev nvInbevNvmergers and acquisit...MergersAndAcquisit...mergersandacquisitionsSheldon LiberSheldonLiberWarren BuffettWarrenBuffettMon, 14 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Before the bell: Solid opening expected following Fannie/Freddie gov't plan; BUD takeover]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/before-the-bell-solid-opening-expected-following-fannie-freddie/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/before-the-bell-solid-opening-expected-following-fannie-freddie/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/before-the-bell-solid-opening-expected-following-fannie-freddie/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

U.S. stock futures were solidly higher Monday morning, indicating a similar start to U.S. markets, after a very interesting weekend in which a government plan was set in motion to rescue ailing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and Budweiser maker accepted a $52 billion buyout offer.

Last week, and Friday was no exception, stocks tumbled due to concerns over government-sponsored mortgage buyrs Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) and Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) and their possible insolvency. On Friday, the Dow industrials fell 128 points, or 1.14%, the Nasdaq Composite closed 18 points, or 0.83%, lower, and the S&P 500 dropped 13 points, or 1.11%.

But this morning, all that changed after Sunday the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department announced steps to bolster the slumping mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The plan, "is intended to signal the government is prepared to take all necessary steps to prevent the credit market troubles that erupted last year with losses from subprime mortgages from engulfing financial markets." That includes granting Fed New York authority to lend the two as much as necessary. FNM shares are 28% higher and FRE shares are 29% in premarket trading.

Continue reading Before the bell: Solid opening expected following Fannie/Freddie gov't plan; BUD takeover

Before the bell: Solid opening expected following Fannie/Freddie gov't plan; BUD takeover originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budfeaturedfnmfreinbevmsftyhooMon, 14 Jul 2008 07:35:00 EST<![CDATA[This Bud's for InBev]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/this-bud-s-for-inbev/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/this-bud-s-for-inbev/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/14/this-bud-s-for-inbev/#commentsFiled under: ,

It must have been a deeply emotional board meeting for Anheuser-Busch Cos. (NYSE: BUD). In family control for more than 150 years, the company has become a quintessential American icon.

Despite all this, Anheuser's had no choice in selling out to InBev NV, a giant beer company based in Leuven, Belgium.

Simply put, the offer was too rich: $49.91 billion. After all, over the past few years, Anheuser was a laggard. What's more, the plunging dollar has made it easier for foreign-based buyers to make plays for U.S. companies. It seems that no company is immune.

The Anheuser-InBev merger combination -- which will be called Anheuser-Busch InBev -- will result in the world's largest beer company (the #2 will be SABMiller PLC). In all, revenues will amount to roughly $36 billion.

For InBev the deal carries lots of risk. The valuation for Anheuser comes close to 15X EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). Furthermore, the deal involves a huge slug of debt. Then again, over the years, InBev has demonstrated savvy M&A skills, wielding a strong cost-cutting knife.

In the end, it's the shareholders who are cheering, with Warren Buffett being particularly joyful. His company, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A), owns 5% of Anheuser.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates MergerBook.com.

This Bud's for InBev originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anheauser-buschberkshire hathawayBerkshireHathawaybrk.abudInBevinthenewswarren buffetWarrenBuffetMon, 14 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bye Bye Bud]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/13/bye-bye-bud/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/13/bye-bye-bud/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/13/bye-bye-bud/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's official -- a company that has stood for generations of Busch's as an icon of the American beer industry is no more. Reuters reports that Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) has accepted a $50 billion offer to be acquired by InBev. Reuters reports that the combined company will be called Anheuser-Busch InBev.

I have been watching advertisements from Anheuser-Busch for years and I think they have been the most entertaining around. InBev is known as an aggressive cost cutter and it's not clear whether these ads will continue into the future. One thing that would not surprise me in the least would be for the Busch family -- whose sons have run the place for generations -- to take their money and leave the business.

With Abu Dhabi buying Manhattan's Chrysler building last week, it will be interesting to see what other American icons get sold off to the highest global bidder before the next president takes office.

Peter Cohan is President of Peter S. Cohan & Associates. He also teaches management at Babson College and edits The Cohan Letter. He has no financial interest in the securities mentioned.

Bye Bye Bud originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anheuser-buschinbevinbev nvinbev-budweiserinbevnvinthenewsSun, 13 Jul 2008 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[InBev raises bid, makes Anheuser-Busch an offer it can't refuse]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/inbev-raises-bid-makes-anheuser-busch-an-offer-it-cant-refuse/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/inbev-raises-bid-makes-anheuser-busch-an-offer-it-cant-refuse/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/inbev-raises-bid-makes-anheuser-busch-an-offer-it-cant-refuse/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

InBev, the Belgian brewer, today hiked its unsolicited bid for Anheuser-Busch Cos. (NYSE: BUD) by a whopping $5 a share, making it all but certain that the King of Beers will sell -- unless members of the board of directors have spent too much time sampling their own product.

The $50 billion offer represents a substantial premium over where Anheuser-Busch has recently traded. InBev clearly wants to avoid the hostile takeover it's threatened. It has vowed to keep its U.S. operations based in the company's hometown of St. Louis. The average drinker of Budweiser probably will not notice a difference in the taste of their favorite brew, which may or may not be a good thing depending on one's beer snobbery.

Shareholders, including Warren Buffett, are ready to head to the exits. The stock, which is up 17% this year, is trading up in pre-market trading. The company has little choice but to take the bid. No other logical buyers exist and I would be surprised if private equity players would be willing to top InBev's offer.

About the only potential losers in this acquisition may be media companies.

Continue reading InBev raises bid, makes Anheuser-Busch an offer it can't refuse

InBev raises bid, makes Anheuser-Busch an offer it can't refuse originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsbeerbelgiumBudfeaturedInbevinthenewsmergersSAb MILLERSabMillerFri, 11 Jul 2008 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Option Update: Anheuser-Busch volatility flat; InBev increases offer to $70]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/option-update-anheuser-busch-volatility-flat-inbev-increases-o/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/option-update-anheuser-busch-volatility-flat-inbev-increases-o/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/option-update-anheuser-busch-volatility-flat-inbev-increases-o/#commentsFiled under: ,

Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) is recently trading at $66.50 in pre-open trading, above its close of $61.21.

The WSJ reported InBev has increased its offer to $70.

BUD July and August option implied volatility of 26 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Option Update: Anheuser-Busch volatility flat; InBev increases offer to $70 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anheuser-Buschbudinbevoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilityFri, 11 Jul 2008 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Newspaper wrap-up: U.S. considering government takeover of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/newspaper-wrap-up-u-s-considering-government-takeover-of-fanni/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/newspaper-wrap-up-u-s-considering-government-takeover-of-fanni/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/newspaper-wrap-up-u-s-considering-government-takeover-of-fanni/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MAJOR PAPERS:
  • Rick Wagoner, the CEO of General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM), hit out against allegations that the auto maker may soon file for bankruptcy and said he believes the company's financial position will "remain robust" for the rest of the year. Wagoner also said, the Wall Street Journal reported, that the company has no plans to sell or reduce more of its brands.
  • An independent Yahoo! Inc (NASDAQ: YHOO) would be better for the world, Google Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG) CEO Eric Schmidt said and the Financial Times reported. Yahoo! will be able to create more competition in the search market and other advertising markets if it stays independent, Schmidt contended.
OTHER PAPERS:
  • According to people briefed on the plan, the New York Times reported that senior Bush administration officials are weighing a plan to have the government take over either Federal National Mortgage Association (NYSE: FNM), or Fannie Mae, or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (NYSE: FRE), or Freddie Mac -- or both -- and place them in a conservatorship if their problems continue or worsen.
  • The New York Times also reported that people briefed on the matter said Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc (NYSE: BUD) is in active talks to sell itself to InBev in a friendly deal, despite previous hostility to the idea. One person said InBev indicated it may be willing to pay more than the $65 per share originally offered.

Newspaper wrap-up: U.S. considering government takeover of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anheuseranheuser buschanheuser-buschAnheuserBuschEric SchmidtEricSchmidtFannie MaeFannieMaeFNMFREFreddie MacFreddieMacGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGOOGGoogleInBevRick WagonerRickWagonerYahooYHOOFri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anheuser-Busch (BUD) sues InBev, what's next?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/anheuser-busch-bud-sues-inbev-whats-next/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/anheuser-busch-bud-sues-inbev-whats-next/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/anheuser-busch-bud-sues-inbev-whats-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It seems that not a day goes by without some news regarding one of the largest deals Wall Street is following intently these days, InBev's $46 billion hostile takeover bid for Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc. (NYSE: BUD).

Not long ago, Reuters reported that Anheuser-Busch filed a suit Monday against InBev NV, calling the brewer's takeover attempt an "illegal plan and scheme" to acquire Anheuser "at a bargain price."

It isn't surprising the Budweiser maker has filed a suit. Only last week, when A-B officially rejected InBev's $46 billion offer, the latter filed a suit of its own as well as launched a proxy battle, filing a consent solicitation with regulators seeking to replace Anheuser's board. Anheuser's suit seeks an injunction to stop InBev's attempts to replace its board. Anheuser says it wants first to make sure certain alleged false and misleading statements are fixed.

From the lawsuit (pdf file) it seems that some of the misleading statements Anheuser is complaining about have to do with InBev's financing possibilities and its plans for the company once it is taken over. I don't normally read litigation documents, but the language here seems quite strong with allegations even of rumor mongering. Judge for yourself:

Continue reading Anheuser-Busch (BUD) sues InBev, what's next?

Anheuser-Busch (BUD) sues InBev, what's next? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anheuser-BuschbudbuffettfeaturedgoogicahninbevmsftyhooTue, 08 Jul 2008 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama opines on Anheuser-Busch sale]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/obama-opines-on-anheuser-busch-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/obama-opines-on-anheuser-busch-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/obama-opines-on-anheuser-busch-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

With Belgian-Brazilian InBev seeking to take over Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), it's hard to see why it would have political ramifications: if BUD's shareholders and board determine that it's in their best interests to sell, isn't that a corporate decision? And don't politicians have better things to opine on?

Apparently not. Democratic Senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama told Reuters that "I do think it would be a shame if Bud is foreign-owned. I think we should be able to find an American company that is interested in purchasing Anheuser Busch if in fact Anheuser Busch feels that it's necessary to sell."

I'm an Obama supporter, but I'm not sure what the point is in wading into this one. Public companies have a responsibility to shareholders to be agnostic when it comes to foreign takeovers -- if that produces value, that's what they should do. When Barack Obama uses the pronoun 'we' to describe the strategic direction of a public company, I start to get a little worried.

Continue reading Obama opines on Anheuser-Busch sale

Obama opines on Anheuser-Busch sale originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anheuser-BuschBUDInBevinthenewsObamaTue, 08 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Will InBev have to say 'adios' to Cuba to buy Anheuser-Busch?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/will-inbev-have-to-say-adios-to-cuba-to-buy-anheuser-busch/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/will-inbev-have-to-say-adios-to-cuba-to-buy-anheuser-busch/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/will-inbev-have-to-say-adios-to-cuba-to-buy-anheuser-busch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to The New York Times' DealBook blog, InBev has a significant partnership with Cuba to produce Bucanero beer, the second-largest player in the communist country's market.

In the the beer world, this deal is not very important since the island has a population of about 11 million. Besides, its economy is a mess.

"Government defaulted on most of its international debt in 1986 and does not have access to credit from international financial institutions like the World Bank, which means Havana must rely heavily on short-term loans to finance imports, chiefly food and fuel," according to Global Security Org. "Because of its poor credit rating, an $11 billion hard currency debt, and the risks associated with Cuban investment, interest rates have reportedly been as high as 22%."

The question of what would happen to InBev's Cuban business in the event the takeover of Budweiser is successful is an interesting one. Would the company have to divest the business to comply with the U.S. embargo or not do anything since it is not a U.S.-based company? Maybe the subsidiary could be operated through a non-U.S. InBev business. Regardless, it's a solvable problem from a legal and financial vantage point.

While I have no doubt I have no doubt the Belgian brewer will gladly say "adios" to its small Cuban beer business if that's the price it has to pay to complete its $46 billion hostile bid for Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. (NYSE: BUD), public relations is another matter.

Continue reading Will InBev have to say 'adios' to Cuba to buy Anheuser-Busch?

Will InBev have to say 'adios' to Cuba to buy Anheuser-Busch? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barack ObamaBarackObamaBudclaire mccaskillClaireMccaskillcubacuban embargoCubanEmbargofeaturedInBevJohn MccAinJohnMccainkit BondKitBondmatt BluntMattBluntwarren buffettWarrenBuffettTue, 08 Jul 2008 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[The euro-vasion]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/07/the-euro-vasion/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/07/the-euro-vasion/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/07/the-euro-vasion/#commentsFiled under:

With the markets in a swoon, marquee assets are on sale in the US. And, with the drop in the dollar, the valuations look even more compelling. Something else: the surge in commodities -- especially in oil -- is bulging the assets in mega sovereign wealth funds.

In fact, even US icons are under attack, such as Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. (NYSE: BUD), which is fending off a hostile takeover from Belgium's InBev.

True, there is some good news. For example, our domestic companies will have an edge with exports (it seems that this has saved us from a recession -- at least so far). But, alas, it is little consolation.

Perhaps the most effective way to boost the value of the dollar is to increase interest rates. However, this will be a tough thing to do -- in light of the upcoming election, the housing sump and continued economic weakness.

In other words, US assets should remain cheap. And, foreign buyers can't ignore this. So, it's a good bet that we'll see more and more dealmaking from overseas.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates MergerBook.com.

The euro-vasion originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BUDeurofeaturedinBevMAMon, 07 Jul 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Anheuser-Busch finally plans to improve]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/28/anheuser-busch-finally-plans-to-improve/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/28/anheuser-busch-finally-plans-to-improve/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/28/anheuser-busch-finally-plans-to-improve/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Funny how companies get religion when there is a takeover threat. It says a great deal about how poorly many big firms are run and how lax their boards are when it comes to supervision.

Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) now plans to cut 1,000 people and raise prices. It is trying to hold off a bid from InBev. Now that its independence is at stake, it is taking decisive actions. It may not work because the plan probably comes too late. According to The Wall Street Journal (subscription required), "The St. Louis brewer's strategy, laid out in a conference call with investors, included $500 million in new cost savings, and higher earnings targets."

Yes, and what took them so long? Shares of BUD have hung around the $50 range for a number of quarters. Operating profit growth at the brewer has been modest. The InBev offer has driven the shares as high as $62.77. It is not a bad bet that they will go back to $55 if InBev is not successful.

BUD wants investors to think it can simply raise prices in a tough economy and bring in more revenue. That probably won't work. It if would, the company should have done it a long time ago.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Anheuser-Busch finally plans to improve originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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