The brewery is over 150 years old, it produces over 100 million barrels of beer worldwide, has over 100 brands, is the third largest worldwide producer of beer, and is the world's largest brewery by revenue. The company was recently purchased by Belgian company InBev, taking America's St. Louis based beer giant, to far off lands.In 1860 Eberhard Anheuser, a German immigrant, purchased Bavarian Brewery, renaming it E. Anheuser & Co. Four years later his son-in-law Adolphus Busch joined the company that would eventually bear his name.
In 1876 the brewery introduced its most well known brand Budweiser, and Michelob in 1896. The brewery broke the 1 million barrel production mark in 1901, but eventually hit a rough patch during prohibition.
During that time the company got by producing other products including root beer, bread yeast, ice cream, chocolate and a non-alcoholic version of Budweiser.
The company celebrated the end of prohibition by parading their Clydesdale-driven beer cart down Pennsylvania Ave. to deliver beer to the president.
In 1936 the company produced its first canned beer.
Anheuser-Busch hit another rough spot during World War II. Due to grain rationing the company was forced to use rice in their beer. After the war consumers enjoyed the light taste and color of Budweiser that rice remained a key ingredient even when more grain became available.
In 1986 the company hit another milestone by producing over one billion barrels worldwide. Eleven years later in 1997 they produced 100 times as much breaking 100 billion barrels.
Anheuser-Busch produces world famous brands including Budweiser, Michelob, Bush, Rolling Rock, O'Douls and the Natural family. The company is also responsible for importing brands including Grolsch, Becks, Loewenbraeu, Stella Artois, Bass and Hoegaarten.
In addition to the company's 12 North American breweries, it owns Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Vir. and Tampa, Fl. The company also owns Sea World. The company owns the St. Louis Cardinals, and is the official beer of the NBA and MLB.Belgian beer giant InBev purchased the company for a reported $52 billion, or $70 per share of stock. Pending approval from shareholders and U.S. and European anti-trust regulators, the deal will by far make the company the world's largest beer producer.
InBev has stated Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis base will become its North American headquarters, and all 12 American breweries will remain open.
