InBev said it has received a request for additional information from the U.S. Department of Justice about its $52 billion takeover of Anheuser-Busch, various business journals reported.
Additionally, the St. Louis Business Journal reported that Anheuser-Busch CEO August Busch will be paid nearly $10.4 million to advise InBev CEO Carlos Brito during the Belgian brewer’s takeover of A-B.
Earlier this summer A-B accepted a $52 billion takeover offer from InBev.
In Response to the Justice Departments information request, which deals with antitrust regulations, InBev said it plans to "respond expeditiously" and "work toward a prompt closing of the transaction."
"This request for additional information from the DOJ is a normal and expected part of the regulatory process," InBev said in a statement. "InBev remains confident that the transaction will receive regulatory approval and continues to expect to close the transaction by the end of this year."
As part of the transaction agreement, the St. Louis Business Journal reported, August Busch IV will receive nearly $10.4 million to advise Brito in the takeover process.
Busch’s consulting job, effective until 2013, would also fetch him $120,000 a month to advise InBev on new products, marketing programs and charities, and to meet with retailers, wholesalers and advertisers and attend media events, according to a filing Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In exchange, Busch gets an office in St. Louis, administrative support, a personal security detail, complimentary tickets to A-B-sponsored events and insured medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits, according to the filing.
He will also be eligible for a gross-up payment estimated at $13.3 million on various change in control payments and benefits connected to the $52 billion takeover, which is expected to close by the end of the year.
He must also agree not to say anything negative about the company as part of a "mutual non-disparagement covenant."
Other A-B board members will make millions off the sale, the St. Louis Business Journal reported.
Chairman Patrick Stokes will make $140.8 million; retired CEO August Busch III, $103.6 million; and board member John Jacobs, $28.3 million.
A-B will pay Goldman Sachs Group $40 million and Citigroup $32 million for the two investment banks’ advice on the $52 billion sale to InBev, according to the filing.
The filing also reiterated some of Brito’s promises about the future of A-B, including his plans to designate St. Louis the North American headquarters; continue supporting philanthropic causes in St. Louis; and keep Grant’s Farm and the Clydesdales.
InBev plans to keep all 12 breweries open as long as there are "no new or increased federal or state excise taxes or other unforeseen extraordinary event."
