Anheuser-Busch announces import deal

ST. LOUIS -- Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. announced Thursday it will become the exclusive U.S. importer of European brewer InBev SA's beers including Beck's, Bass and Stella Artois.

As the nation's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch has been prompted by stagnant U.S. beer sales to expand its line of products beyond its well-known brands like Budweiser, Michelob and Bud Light.

Anheuser-Busch said it will become the exclusive distributor of the European beers in February. The company did not disclose terms of the deal.

InBev's Canadian brands, including Labatt Blue, are not included in the agreement. Belgium-based InBev is the third largest brewer in the world, with about 200 brands of beer.

The distribution deal marks a continuing trend for Anheuser-Busch.

In May, Anheuser-Busch announced it would pay $82 million for InBev's Rolling Rock beer brand. In February, the company announced it will be the sole U.S. distributor of Grolsch, a European beer.