Strate successfully processed the electronic entries which enabled the conclusion of the acquisition of SABMiller by Belgian-Brazillian group, Anheuser-Busch InBev; the largest corporate action in its 18-year history. Shareholders received in excess of R116-billion in cash entitlements, executed through the South African Reserve Bank.
“Since the Competition Commission’s approval of the merger a few short months ago, we have been in consultation with both the listed entities’ legal teams, corporate advisors, and transfer secretaries to offer our guidance on how to best manage the process,” says Strate CEO, Monica Singer. “I am incredibly proud of my team and our partners for their dedication and hard work – this merger represents the largest, and probably one of the most historic equity corporate actions that we have ever executed.”
In order to successfully process the deal, and to operate within Belgian law, AB InBev was dissolved to create Newbelco, a Belgian incorporated company formed for the purpose of the transaction. This surviving entity, Newbelco, acquired all of the SABMiller shares. Newbelco will be the holding company for the combined group, and is also listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. AB InBev announced that the combined group will retain the name “Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV”.
The R1.5 trillion merger between AB InBev and SABMiller has created the world’s biggest brewer.
