Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer, will acquire Mexico’s biggest beer company, Grupo Modelo, in a deal valued at $20.1 billion. It’s the second biggest beer deal since the Belgium-based InBev acquired Anheuser-Busch for $52 billion back in 2008.
AB InBev already owns a 50 percent noncontrolling stake in Modelo, whose portfolio includes the best-selling import beer in the U.S., Corona Extra. Modelo will sell its 50 percent stake in Crown Imports for $1.85 Billion. Crown Imports is a joint venture with Constellation brands who imports Modelo brands into the U.S.
This deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2013.
See links below for press releases and additional coverage on the deal.
Video: AB InBev CEO, Carlos Brito, & Grupo Modelo CEO, Carlos Fernández, discuss the merger.
Beer Business Daily interviews Carlos Brito.
PR: Constellation Brands Inc. to Acquire Remaining 50 Percent Interest in Crown Imports Joint Venture.
PR: Anheuser-Busch InBev and Grupo Modelo to Combine, Next Step in Long and Successful Partnership.
Wall Street Journal: AB InBev, Modelo in $20.1 Billion Deal
BeerPulse: AB InBev Buys Modelo’s Remaining Stake for $20.1 Billion: 25 Key Facts