Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch is planning a defence as speculation grows over a takeover approach from rival and Stella Artois firm InBev, according to reports today.

Stella Artois brewer InBev reported disappointing third quarter figures today after dismal summer weather dented sales in Europe.

Stella Artois brewer InBev said today that beer sales plummeted during the sweltering summer as drinkers turned their backs on the “reassuringly expensive” lager.