Heineken chooses independence over SABMIller

Dutch brewer Heineken has politely declined a takeover offer from SABMiller according to media reports.

The Heineken family, majority shareholders with just over 50% of the company, said they intended to keep the company independent, and preserve its identity and heritage.

It is thought SABMiller, the world number two brewer, may have been seeking to make itself too big to swallow by the world number one, AB In Bev. Some analysts have suggested it has the upstart South African firm in its sights, after its rapid takeover-driven expansion beyond its local market.