'Megadeals' Could Turn Beer Companies Into College Football Superconferences

by Mike Bertha on Sep 19, 2014 in Culture
'Megadeals' Could Turn Beer Companies Into College Football Superconferences

The only thing that goes better with beer than a couch and a bag of pretzels is an obligatory sports reference to explain something that’s not all that complicated in the first place. So, it’s perfect that major beer manufacturers are devouring smaller such companies and trying to merge with comparable manufacturers to form beer’s version of college football superconferences.

Anheuser-Busch InBev--the largest brewer in the world--was granted approval for a $20 million deal to take full control of Modelo last year. With Modelo completely under its thumb, AB InBev had secured control over 21-percent of the global beer market share.

Think of this like Colorado and Nebraska left the Big 12 for the Pac-12 and Big Ten, respectively. The writing was on the wall and all of the conferences who didn’t land either school knew they had to up their game.

Fast forward to September 2014 and Heineken announces that it had turned down a takeover from the world’s second largest beer company, SABMiller. This is just like when the Big 10 and every other conference in college football tried to lure Notre Dame out of its Independent classification.

With Heineken pulling a Notre Dame, potential superconference beer companies like Anheuser and SABMiller are left salivating … and considering a megadeal to create a beer company the likes of which have never been seen.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Anheuser is exploring financing options that would allow it to buy SABMiller. Similarly, The New York Times addressed this possibility on Sunday:

“Should a combination of Anheuser and SABMiller occur, it would create a company probably valued at more than $200 billion. It would also provide an opportunity for other buyers, most notably Molson Coors, to snatch up lucrative brands like Miller Lite.”

Basically, it would be like the SEC and the Big 12 merging, but having to forfeit West Virginia to the Big 10. Thankfully, beer drinkers wouldn’t need to consider the nuances of strength of schedule, conference championship games, or bowl sponsorship complications because they’d still be able to walk into a bar and order whatever pint they want … it’s just that the money would all go to the same place.

Photo via Flickr


Tags: Beer
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Whether it's on warm summer nights or with the briskness of spring and fall evenings, drinking is often at its best when it's al fresco. ...read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Whether it's on the waterfront with seafood and crushes or on a dog-friendly deck with whiskey, outdoor drinking is a staple in this city....read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera May 14, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close