Anheuser-Busch's merger with Belgian rival InBev NB is now official: company shareholders voted this week to approve the plan to combine the companies and create the world's largest brewing firm, Reuters reported Nov. 12.

Ninety-six percent of Anheuser-Busch shareholders voted in favor of the merger, which will create a new company called Anheuser-Busch InBev. "In the end we all agreed the InBev proposal is in the best interest of you, our shareholders, and also provides a promising future for our beer brands and all the stakeholders -- employees, wholesalers, retailers and consumers," said Anheuser-Busch CEO August A. Busch IV, who will stay on as a director after the merger but will not have managerial or executive responsibilities.

Patrick Stokes, current chairman and former CEO of Anheuser-Busch, admitted "bittersweet" feelings about the merger. "They protected the shareholders' interests well, and at the same time, I think it's rather sad that an independent company, after closing, will no longer be independent," he said.

The deal should be finalized by the end of 2008, as long as it is approved by antitrust regulators. "We are about to sell more beer to more people in more countries than any other company in the history of brewing beer," Busch said.