Payout bonanza for SABMiller managers after AB-InBev deal

For the potential ignominy of losing the battle against AB-InBev, SABMiller’s managers will be royally rewarded. According to The Guardian newspaper, around 1,700 top managers at brewer SABMiller could be in line for payouts averaging USD 1 million (GBP 650,000) each, if AB-InBev succeeds in taking SABMiller over.

Analysts at stockbroking firm Bernstein have calculated that share schemes could be worth in excess of USD 1.8 billion in total, based on calculations that AB-InBev pays around GBP 39 a share for its smaller rival.

However, many analysts believe that AB-InBev will have to pay at least GBP 40 per share if not more, which would make the payout to staff rise much higher.

SABMiller’s CEO Alan Clark would receive significantly more than the average. His options could be worth at least GBP 40 million (USD 61 million), according to The Guardian.

SABMiller, which employs 68,000 people around the world, refused to comment on the calculations.

A deal could take years to complete. AB-InBev has until mid-October to make a formal offer under UK takeover rules.