SCOTTISH and Newcastle (S&N) is said to be in trans- Atlantic merger talks to create the world's largest brewer, and a deal could be announced in March.
The new company would combine S&N, US brewer Miller and London-based South African Breweries and would overtake Anheuser-Busch, makers of Budweiser, as the world's number one brewer.
The deal would keep Miller's headquarters in Milwaukee and its 1,000 jobs, industry analysts said.
Miller's parent company, Philip Morris, and both brewers are still believed to be in talks over a final agreement.
The possible merger was first reported in November. Representatives of all three companies have declined to comment on the reports.
Philip Morris would keep about 20 per cent ownership of the new company, with S&N and South African Breweries owning the remainder under the plan
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