The Belgian-Brazilian brewery InBev announced Tuesday that it completed the takeover of American Anheuser-Busch, maker of Budweiser, in an operation that total $ 52 billion and create the largest group of beer in the world.

The combination of the two companies “creating a global leader in the industry of beer and one of the five largest companies of consumer goods,” Inbev said in the release.

The operation is “a historic transaction,” said InBev’s chief executive, Carlos Brito. He says the success of the operation will be the integration of brands and working methods of both companies.

The negotiation has been target of the Americans critics, who have created web sites and songs of protest against the departure of brands like Budweiser’s of the United States.

Anheuser-Busch will maintain its headquarters in Saint Louis, in Missouri, which in turn becomes the base of operations for the entire group for North America.

Under the terms of the agreement, the new group will be named Anheuser-Busch InBev in order to “maintain the heritage and traditions” of the American company.

With 26% of the global market, three of the five biggest brands of beer, and an annual production of 460 million hectoliters, estimated indicate that the new brewery produces 60% more than its nearest competitor. InBev brings brands like Stella Artois and Beck’s, in addition to Brahma and Antarctica.

Via: WP.