InterbrewAmBev CEO defends deal - John Brock - Brief Article

Modern Brewery Age, March 8, 2004

John Brock, chief executive of the newly-formed InterbrewAmBev (there's a mouthful) defended the deal from criticism by analysts who said the deal was excessively complex, with unclear lines of control.

Brock said the new company "would be a truly organized brewer that will play in Europe, Asia and the Americas."

Brock also said that the company might be in line for a name change, if they can think up something "sexier."

Brock said that, despite Interbrew's 57% share of the deal, the equally divided board makes this a merger, with legitimate joint control of the company. He said Ambev will continue to be a separately listed stock.

Analysts said the deal was partly defensive in nature, with a prime objective being the exclusion of A-B from the South America market.

CEO Brock did not rule out further future acquisitions. "InterbrewAmBev will look carefully at the rest of the world," be said.