AB InBev resumes exploration of the Budweiser list two months after its withdrawal

(Reuters) – Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI.BR) said on Thursday that it was pursuing the exploration of an initial public offering in Hong Kong of its Asia Pacific division, Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Ltd (1876.HK), two months after announcing that it would not proceed with the planned registration.

The company's Asia Pacific unit has resumed its application to list a minority stake in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, she said on Thursday, adding that no assurance could be given as to the conclusion of the transaction.

AB InBev, the world's largest brewer, was aiming to sell up to $ 9.8 billion of Budweiser shares to ease its heavy debt load before pulling out of the July listing.

The resumption of listing plans is a boost for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after Reuters announced last month that China's largest e-commerce company, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA.N) had delayed its listing of $ 15 billion in Hong Kong because of growing political unrest in the Asian financial center.

The development comes after the Hong Kong Stock Exchanges and Clearing Ltd (0388.HK) unveiled a $ 39 million takeover approach by the London Stock Exchange Plc (LSE.L) on Wednesday received a positive response from investors concerned about its regulatory and financial hurdles.