SABMiller Offer for Heineken Shows CEO Ready for Deals

Any doubt about Alan Clark’s appetite for deals as the chief executive officer of SABMiller were erased with his bid for Heineken.

Clark’s preliminary offer -- rejected by Heineken, the maker of popular beers including a namesake lager, Amstel and Newcastle Brown Ale -- could stimulate an industry poised for a new round of consolidation. Just a year ago, Clark said deals were less important than simply growing SABMiller’s brands such as Peroni and Castle Lager. His hand may be forced by an even thirstier competitor: Anheuser-Busch InBev.