The global brewing industry could be set to be given a boost in the arm by a major takeover.
Following on from the recent news that Carlton & United Breweries is looking to offload its struggling wine business, speculation is now mounting that brewing giant SAB Miller is gearing up to make a bid for the Australian firm.
According to initial reports, SAB, which is the world's second-biggest brewer, with dozens of plants making use of the latest equipment such as valves and bucket elevators to produce brands including Foster's, could be prepared to pay £7 billion for its rival.
Should the move go ahead, it would make the company the biggest single operator in Australia and also enhance its strength in some of the world's most lucrative, emerging markets such as South America and India.
At the same time, however, the Sydney Morning Herald has also noted that American brewing firm Molson Coors, as well as Coca-Cola Amatil are also both interested in making a move for the Fosters brand, though a final deal is likely to be some months off yet.
