Anheuser-Busch InBev to reacquire R49bn stake in US metal container plants

Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABInbev), the Belgium-based global brewer, said Tuesday it had exercised its right to reacquire, for about R49.16 billion, the 49.9% minority stake in its US-based metal container plants.

The stake will be reacquired from a consortium of institutional investors led by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, for a price estimated to be approximately $3bn.

"Our US-based metal container plant operations include seven facilities across six states and are a strategic component of our business, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, speed of innovation and supply security for our brands, while providing industry-leading manufacturing jobs and driving economic growth in communities across the US," a statement from the group's board said on Tuesday.

The exercise of the repurchase option will be funded with cash-on-hand and is consistent with the group's capital allocation framework that focuses on maximising long-term shareholder value.

ABInbev's portfolio of over 500 beer brands includes global icons Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois, alongside local champions such as Aguila, Bud Light and Castle.

"The transaction is expected to be EPS (earnings per share) accretive in year 1 and, subject to customary closing conditions, is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026," the board said.

In October 2025, ABInbev  announced a $6bn share buyback, to be conducted over two years.

For the third quarter to end-September 2023, the group reported a 3.3% rise in underlying operating profit, which Reuters report was the lowest quarterly growth since 2021, as the group faces challenges including weak demand and currency volatility. Corona had led the third quarter premium performance globally, lifting volumes by 9.5% outside Mexico.

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