SECAUCUS, N.J. – Shareholders of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. on Wednesday approved the $52 billion sale of the nation's largest brewer to Belgium-based InBev SA, a deal that is set to create the world's largest brewer.

The vote was the latest step necessary to form the company to be known as Anheuser-Busch InBev. The deal, reached in July, is expected to close by the end of the year.

August A. Busch IV, Anheuser-Busch's president and chief executive, said the decision to sell was a difficult one.

"In the end, the board determined that the InBev proposal is in the best interest of our shareholders," he said in a statement. "The merger also provides a promising future for our beer brands and for all stakeholders — employees, wholesalers, retailers and our consumers." Read more...