Anheuser-Busch InBev said on 6 January that it had exercised its option to reacquire the 49.9% minority stake in its US-based metal container plants from a group of institutional investors led by Apollo, at an estimated price of about $3bn.
Why Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV is buying AB InBev US metal container plants (49.9% stake)
AB InBev described the plants as a strategic component of its business, supporting quality, cost efficiency, speed of innovation and supply security for its brands. The brewer said the transaction would be earnings-accretive in the first year and fits its capital allocation framework.
Deal terms and financing
The repurchase was funded with cash on hand. The 2020 sale agreement gave AB InBev the right, but not the obligation, to buy back the stake from the fifth anniversary of closing at pre-determined financial terms; Food Dive reported the buyback price was roughly the same as the 2020 sale price.
Regulatory approvals and timing
AB InBev announced on 30 January 2026 that it had completed the reacquisition, for approximately $2.9bn.
Market context
AB InBev sold the minority stake to the Apollo-led group in 2020 to help reduce debt while continuing to operate the plants. The network spans seven facilities across six US states. Full ownership comes as tariffs on metals raise costs for beverage makers and as the brewer expands canned drinks beyond beer.
