Acquiring America: The Dismantling of a Dynasty

American business has witnessed international direct investment grow at a staggering rate; and its management replaced by former competitors all to often. A wide array of influential factors have fueled the rising tide of foreign investment through acquisition in the United States. The mere image of American business and the brand equity within our company’s names alone, have global reach and have amassed tremendous envy abroad for decades. Iconic companies, many with over a century of American family ownership have been forced to surrender their fortresses to foreign invaders as globalization has grown teeth. Anheuser Busch towers as an example of this phenomenon and its acquisition presents a unique set of welfare consequences. This project addresses the history of the Anheuser Busch beer empire and how its disassembling by Belgium brewer Inbev may compromise one of its greatest assets, the St. Louis people. The reasons such a monolithic acquisition was made possible and what direct effects may result once it is completed will be studied. Historical acquisitions will be examined in an effort to forecast potential implications for AB\u27s future. Shareholder wealth will be reviewed, however, general welfare for all of AB\u27s stakeholders will be of prime focus. The overarching goal will be to identify a correlation between foreign investment in American companies and shifting corporate values. The St. Louis people grew up around this red brick brewery and now must wonder how they will fare as management moves an ocean away