Comments on: Anheuser-Busch sells out to InBev

By: A. Nuran

A. Nuran — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:27:50 +0000

The stories of A-B’s philanthropy put me in mind of Nelson Rockefeller handing out nickles and dimes to little children on the streets. The coins were particularly welcome since his predatory business practices had put a lot of the kiddies’ daddies out of work.

Anheuser-Busch never had a good product. What they had was a marketing and acquisition machine that undersold or bought out and destroyed countless local beers. As George Carlin would have said “Unfuck ‘em. Fucking’s too good for ‘em.”

By: whythawk

whythawk — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:46:18 +0000

For all the naysayers, I’d suggest you all get your rifles and stand guard around the Bud brew-houses. You’ll be waiting for a fleet of Belgian-registered helicopters coming to lift them bodily off the ground and drag them back to Belgium.

Or explain to me how Bud, after a change of ownership in a listed company, is suddenly less American? The beer will still be made, advertised and distributed by Americans. So only ownership makes an American company?

In which case, what on earth are you all bitching about when American-owned companies offshore their entire workforce? They’re still 100% American companies then, aren’t they?

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:21:26 +0000

I for one do not enjoy Bud, but for an American company to just simply piss that much history away well now that is pretty sad. Oh well life goes on and its MIller time

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:26:45 +0000

I live in a community that benefits tremendously from the tourist dollars brought in for the Busch Gardens theme park. InBev isn’t in the theme park/entertainment business, and we’re all very concerned about what’s going to happen. Busch Gardens is run really, really well, and the park is absolutely beautiful. I’m dreading it becoming some more carney-themed place, or worse, having it shut down.

I still don’t get how hostile company takeovers are allowed. It just doesn’t seem right.

By: John Rissel

John Rissel — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:40:58 +0000

I personally don’t care for the taste of most Bud products, however this is truly a sad day in American history. Bud led the way after prohibition and has been a great American Icon for years. What an absolute shame that this company like too many others is selling out American history to foreign companies. I guess this means the US will be getting even less of the illegal emigrant money now. SO long Buwyzer, you will be missed if for nothing else helping end prohibition.

By: Russ Wellen

Russ Wellen — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:03 +0000

I’m a recovering alcoholic (20 years), but Budweiser started me down the road to perdition. But, quickly deducing that the next day it left my brain feeling like somebody rubbed newsprint on it, I quickly moved on. Farewell, Bud. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

By: A. Nuran

A. Nuran — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:49:44 +0000

Make Budweiser taste better?

Wanna raise the bar high enough so the audience can see it?

By: Dr. Slammy

Dr. Slammy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:02:09 +0000

I think I’ll celebrate by having a nice Left Hand Milk Stout tonight.

By: Lara Amber

Lara Amber — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:56:33 +0000

A small edit, Brian:

I have taste buds, which is why I donâ€™t enjoy Budweiser.

I agree that InBev is only interested in the brand, marketshare, and brewing/distribution capabilities. The recipes (take Clydesdale piss and ferment) wouldn’t interest anyone.

I’m waiting to see how long it takes InBev to spin off the non-beer producing aspects of the Anheuser Busch company, namely the Busch Gardens and Sea World Parks. I’d hate to see them go into the hands of Six Flags, but I doubt any zoological group has the money to make a bid on the Sea Worlds. I doubt InBev would just spin them off, but we can hope.

Lara Amber