SABMiller shares jump over 10% on takeover talk

Shares in drinks giant SABMiller soared today after its failed attempts to buy Heineken prompted speculation the group itself could be taken over by Belgian rival Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev.

SABMiller shares were trading at record highs by 12:10pm, up 12% or 418p at £38.27, as investors speculate the company will be taken over. The group has long been the subject of merger rumours, particularly focusing on the likelihood of a possible bid from AB InBev. The rejection by the Heineken family - which owns 50% of the Heineken company - of SABMiller's own expansion plans has left it looking vulnerable and caused shares to jump today. Analysts said SABMiller - which owns brands including Peroni and Grolsch - was now "in play" as a takeover target, with AB InBev reported by t...