Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer, gave an upbeat view on revenues due to higher than expected sales of premium lagers and raised its dividend, even though it is primed to launch a $100 billion-plus takeover of SABMiller next week.

The brewer of Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona, which has a provisional agreement to buy its nearest rival, said it now believed revenue per hectolitre would grow by more than inflation, having previously said it would grow in line. The effect would more than offset an expected increase of sales costs, such as on costlier ingredients and fancier packaging for more expensive beers.

AB InBev said its board had approved an interim dividend of €1.60 per share, from €1 a year earlier. AB InBev shares rose 2.5 per cent to an 11-week high of €110.15. – (Reuters)