Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV stands as the world’s largest brewer by production volume. Headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, the company controls approximately 25% of the global beer market through its portfolio of over 500 brands.
The company traces its brewing heritage back more than 600 years to the Den Hoorn brewery in Belgium. Today, AB InBev owns iconic global brands including Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra.
AB InBev operates breweries across nearly 50 countries and sells products in over 150 markets worldwide. The company formed through a series of mergers, with the 2008 combination of InBev and Anheuser-Busch creating the current entity.
Anheuser-Busch InBev History
Anheuser-Busch InBev Co-founders
AB InBev resulted from multiple mergers rather than a single founding event. The key figures who built the predecessor companies shaped today’s global brewing giant.
Anheuser-Busch InBev Market Cap
AB InBev’s market capitalization stands at approximately $124 billion as of January 2026. This ranks the company as the 165th most valuable company globally and the largest brewer by market value.
The stock trades on Euronext Brussels as the primary listing, with secondary listings on the New York Stock Exchange, Mexican Stock Exchange, and Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Anheuser-Busch InBev Revenue
AB InBev generated $59.8 billion in revenue during 2024, marking an all-time high for the company. Revenue growth came from premiumization efforts and expansion of non-beer categories including hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails.
The company’s revenue nearly doubled following the 2016 SABMiller acquisition, which added significant operations across Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
Anheuser-Busch InBev Acquisitions
AB InBev built its global empire through a series of acquisitions spanning three decades. The company’s aggressive acquisition strategy transformed fragmented regional brewing markets into a consolidated global industry.
The 2008 acquisition of Anheuser-Busch for $52 billion created the modern company. InBev paid $70 per share in cash, representing a 35% premium. This deal combined the world’s largest brewer with America’s dominant beer company and brought Budweiser into the InBev portfolio.
In 2013, AB InBev completed the $20.1 billion purchase of Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer. The deal added Corona, the world’s top-selling imported beer brand in the United States. To satisfy antitrust concerns, AB InBev divested Grupo Modelo’s U.S. business to Constellation Brands for $4.75 billion.
The 2016 SABMiller acquisition represented the largest deal in beer industry history. The $100 billion-plus transaction added Castle, Peroni, and dozens of regional brands across Africa and Latin America. AB InBev divested the Miller brand portfolio and MillerCoors stake to Molson Coors to gain regulatory approval.
Recent acquisitions focused on craft beer and emerging categories. AB InBev purchased craft breweries including Goose Island, Elysian, and Blue Point. In 2025, the company announced plans to acquire BeatBox Beverages for $490 million, expanding its presence in the ready-to-drink cocktail segment.
AB InBev also divested non-core assets to reduce debt. The company sold its Busch Entertainment theme park division to Blackstone for $2.7 billion in 2009. It transferred Coca-Cola bottling operations in Africa to beverage industry partners as part of post-SABMiller integration.
Anheuser-Busch InBev Competitors
AB InBev faces competition from global brewing conglomerates, regional powerhouses, and craft breweries. The company holds roughly 25% of global beer market share, with Heineken at 12% and Carlsberg at 8%.
| Company | Headquarters | Key Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Heineken | Netherlands | Heineken, Amstel, Tiger |
| Carlsberg Group | Denmark | Carlsberg, Tuborg, Kronenbourg |
| Molson Coors | United States | Coors Light, Miller Lite, Blue Moon |
| Asahi Group | Japan | Asahi, Peroni, Grolsch |
| Kirin Holdings | Japan | Kirin, Ichiban, Four Roses |
| China Resources Beer | China | Snow Beer |
| Tsingtao Brewery | China | Tsingtao |
| Constellation Brands | United States | Modelo, Corona (US rights) |
| Boston Beer Company | United States | Samuel Adams, Truly |
| Diageo | United Kingdom | Guinness, Harp |
FAQs
Who owns Anheuser-Busch InBev?
AB InBev is a publicly traded company. Belgian families Vandamme, de Spoelberch, and de Mevius own approximately 29% of shares. Brazilian firm 3G Capital holds around 23%.
What beer brands does AB InBev own?
AB InBev owns over 500 brands including Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, Michelob Ultra, Beck’s, Hoegaarden, Leffe, Brahma, Skol, and Castle Lager.
Where is AB InBev headquartered?
AB InBev is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, where Interbrew and the historic Artois brewery operated. The company maintains major offices in New York and St. Louis.
Is AB InBev the largest beer company?
Yes, AB InBev is the world’s largest brewer by production volume and revenue. The company produces approximately 500 million hectoliters of beer annually.
When did InBev acquire Anheuser-Busch?
InBev completed its acquisition of Anheuser-Busch on November 18, 2008. The $52 billion all-cash deal created the world’s largest brewing company.
