Belgian brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev has posted a 10.2% rise in FY net profit, after what was an especially busy final quarter to 2013.
Not only did they scoop up another craft beer maker toward the end of last year in New York's Blue Point, but they also reacquired South Korea's Oriental Brewing for a very large sum.
However, the group also admitted this morning that its sales volumes were "below expectations" for the full year, with its Central and Eastern European category performing particularly poorly.
Earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation grew 8.1% in 2013 to €12.51 billion ($17.19 billion).
The brewer's net profits in the 12 months to the end of December rose by 10.2% to €5.75 billion ($7.9 billion), as group sales were up by 3.3% to €31.44 billion ($43.19) the company said.
InBev said that revenue in the fourth quarter alone stood at €8.52 billion ($11.71 billion). Operating profit in Q4 came in ahead of analysts expectations at €3.78 billion ($5.19 billion).
For the forthcoming year, the group expect significant growth in both China and the US.
© 2014 - European Supermarket Magazine by Enda Dowling
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