SABMiller brought forward the release of the trading update for the six months ended 30 September 2015, ahead of an expected takeover of the company by AB-InBev, which has until mid-October to formalise its offer, or walk away.
Alan Clark, Chief Executive of SABMiller, said, “Growth accelerated in the second quarter of the year, underpinned by our unmatched footprint in the growing beer markets of the world.”
Its Peroni Nastro Azzurro brand grew sales in the UK, however, sales were flat. But in emerging markets such as Africa and Latin America sales were good. Said Clark, “ We continued to drive strong growth in Africa and Latin America.”
He continued, “Our strategic priority of driving superior top line growth through strengthening our brand portfolios and expanding the beer category is showing clear results.”
Should AB-Bev succeed in its takeover of SAB Miller the new entity would be worth an estimated £180 billion.