The company says the combined company will have operations in virtually every major beer market and an expanded portfolio that includes global, multi-country and local brands, providing more choices for consumers around the world.

AB InBev says it will benefit from a geographically diversified platform, with a stronger presence in key emerging regions with attractive growth prospects, such as Africa and Latin America.

AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito said: ““As a truly global brewer, we will be able to achieve more together than each of us could separately,” “We remain focused on delivering superior top-line growth and increasing shareholder value. Building on our strong heritage, passion for brewing and expanded brand portfolio, we are also committed to helping farmers, retailers, entrepreneurs and communities thrive. We are excited to work toward our dream: Bringing people together for a better world. Our ambition is to build a company to last – not just for a decade, but for the next 100 years.”

As a result of the Belgian merger, the former Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (the former AB InBev) has merged into Newbelco, and Newbelco has become the holding company for the combined former AB InBev and SABMiller groups.

All assets and liabilities of the former AB InBev have been transferred to Newbelco, and Newbelco has automatically been substituted for the former AB InBev in all its rights and obligations by operation of Belgian law. Newbelco has been renamed Anheuser-Busch InBev, and the former AB InBev has been dissolved by operation of Belgian law.