Anheuser sale could have tough impact on St. Louis

By Erin Zureick

CHICAGO (Reuters) - For many in St. Louis, Belgian brewer InBev NV's INTB.BR $46.3 billion bid for Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc (BUD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) is falling flatter than a week-old glass of Budweiser.

America's largest brewer, which has been based in the Missouri city since 1852 and is known for its Budweiser and Michelob brands, is contemplating InBev's $65-a-share offer amid a backdrop of opposition from those in the city and state who say the company should not sell its iconic brands.

Anheuser-Busch is more than just a beer company for St. Louis.

The company is a large part of the city's civic identity -- the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball in Busch Stadium, and visitors can tour the brewery's world headquarters and catch a glimpse of the famous Clydesdale horses.

The company is also an important economic engine, employing 6,000 people in the city and doling out $21 million in taxes a year to St. Louis, or nearly 5 percent of the city's 2007 budget, said Jeff Rainford, chief of staff to St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay. Rainford said according to state estimates, Anheuser-Busch had a $2.7 billion economic impact on Missouri in 2007.

"A lot of people think of St. Louis as beer and baseball," Rainford said. "It's iconic nationally."

Since the unsolicited offer became public on Wednesday, opposition has come from state and city officials, as well as the larger community and Internet users.

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt called the proposal "deeply troubling," and one website's online petition has prompted more than 18,000 signatures against a deal.