InBev to take over Anheuser-Busch's stake in Tsingtao Brewery

Sep. 10, 2008 (China Knowledge) - InBev NV, a Belgium-based global brewer, has agreed to take over U.S.-based Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc's 27% stake in China's second largest beer brewer Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd<600600><168>, once its planned takeover of the U.S. brewer is completed, sources reported.

The Belgian brewer has inked an agreement with Anheuser-Busch, Tsingtao Brewery and Tsingtao Brewery's largest shareholder Tsingtao Brewery Group Co. on this matter, according to the Chinese beer brewer's latest statement.

InBev will have the largest market share in Chinese beer market if the takeover of Anheuser-Busch is secured.

Anheuser-Busch entered into a strategic investment agreement with Tsingtao Brewery in October 2002.

Tsingtao Brewery's A-shares ended flat to close at RMB 16.94 yesterday, while the company's H-shares moderately dipped 1.98% or 0.34 points to stand at HK$16.82.