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One of the pieces of stock market news that has been rather prominent lately is that of the bid from InBev (INBVF) to take over Anheuser-Busch (BUD). Even though the beloved maker of Bud and Bud Light beers fended off the offer for weeks, the $52 billion was just too much to ignore in the end. Many die-hard Bud fans have been fearing this moment, ever since the international Belgian-Brazilian company began making offers. After all, Bud has long been seen as a classic American icon. And now it’s going to be owned by Europeans and South Americans?

While it may tug at the emotions of Americans, the move is probably a solid one, both for Anheuser-Busch and for InBev. (At least, both companies are seeing their stock prices increase nicely.) And the move will create the largest beer maker in the world, Anheuser-Busch InBev. At least, for the patriotic, it must be nice to see the Anheuser-Busch name listed first. At any rate, the combined company will operate about 300 brands, and the North American HQ will remain in St. Louis.

MarketWatch reports on the expectations of the companies as a result of the deal:

The companies said they expect the deal to generate cost savings of $1.5 billion a year by 2011. The move should be neutral to earnings in 2009 and add to profit in 2010, the companies said.  …

Asset sales, however, seem certain as the new owners absorb the Anheuser-Busch empires varied properties. A-B owns theme parks like Busch Gardens and Sea World, along with packaging units that would be sold to repay some of massive loans InBev took out to pay for the deal.

The deal still has a couple of hurdles to clear, but it is likely to go through.

Disclaimer: I am not an investment professional. Nothing in this piece or on this Web site should be construed as investment advice. Before making investment decisions, do your own research and/or consult with an investment professional. All investment comes with the risk of loss. You are responsible for your own investment decisions.