HSBC boss Stuart Gulliver wants bank to play major role in AB InBev’s planned takeover of SABMiller
HSBC boss Stuart Gulliver is trying to persuade the lender to play a major role in financing a possible takeover of SABMiller by rival US-based brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Gulliver met executives from Budweiser maker AB InBev late last week to discuss a potential involvement for HSBC, according to a report on Sky News.
In the deal goes ahead, it will be the biggest-ever takeover of a UK firm.
A formal offer for SAB Miller, which owns the Peroni and Grolsch brands, is expected to be tabled by AB InBev next week, and will value the London-listed company at more than $100bn (£66bn).
The combined brewing giant would be required to dispose of major interests in the US and China and any deal will depend on the response of Marlboro maker Altria, which is a 27 per cent shareholder in SABMiller.
HSBC declined to comment.