By John Glenday

Brewing giant Heineken has flatly rejected an £82bn merger with industry rivals SABMiller as moves to consolidate the global beer industry gather pace.

The audacious move followed an earlier £27bn takeover bid tabled by SABMiller a fortnight ago which was also turned down by Heineken’s Dutch owners who are staunchly independent and resistant to losing control.

This led directly to the latest merger plan in which the Heineken family would become one of the largest shareholders of the new grouping, allowing them a degree of continued control.

Heineken said in a statement: “The Heineken family has informed SABMiller, HEINEKEN (sic) and Heineken Holding Read full story ›

Source: The Drum