Anheuser-Busch in Talks With Grupo Modelo

Anheuser-Busch Cos., the brewer that received a $46.3 billion takeover offer from InBev NV, is holding preliminary talks with Grupo Modelo SAB, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The talks might lead to a combination of the two companies that thwarts InBev's attempts to purchase Anheuser-Busch and create the world's largest brewer, the Wall Street Journal said on its Web site.

Anheuser-Busch controls about 50% of Grupo Modelo, Mexico's largest brewer and the maker of Corona beer.

Anheuser-Busch Cos. rose to a record in New York trading after InBev NV made a $46.3 billion unsolicited cash offer in a bid to form the world's biggest brewer.