SABMiller linked to S&N takeover

SABMiller, the London-based brewing giant of South African descent, has been linked to a £6.5 billion (€9.5bn) takeover of Scottish & Newcastle, the British drinks group which owns Beamish & Crawford.

Weekend reports in the British press suggest that SABMiller — with brands such as Carling and Miller in its portfolio — could table the bid this week.

If successful, it is believed that it would want to sell S&Ns British and French arms. No mention was made of the Cork-based division.