Altria group gained 185.12 million restricted shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev after the AB InBev-SABMiller $100bn merger completed.

Along with the restricted shares, Altria gained 9.6% economic and voting interest in AB InBev, with approximately $5.3bn cash.

Altria’s board of directors has also permitted the expansion of the current $1bn share repurchase programme to $3bn. It is expected to get completed by Q2 of 2018. However, the programme is subject to board’s discretion.

"We are very pleased to see the successful completion of this transaction between these two great companies."

Following the completion of Ab InBev-SABMiller merger deal, Altria expects to gain estimated earnings of approximately $13.7bn, or $4.55 per share which will be reported in the fourth quarter of 2016.

It will use the equity method of accounting for its investment in AB InBev.

Altria was expected to receive a 10.5% stake in the company. However, most of the SAB Miller shareholders opted for cash and share option during the merger procedure decreasing Altria’s final procurement.

Altria chairman, CEO and president Marty Barrington said: “We are very pleased to see the successful completion of this transaction between these two great companies. The transaction allows Altria to continue its participation in the global brewing profit pool as a significant shareholder in AB InBev, and we are excited about the prospects for the long-term value of our investment.”

Altria will have two seats in the board of directors of the newly formed combined company after the merger of AB InBev and SABMiller.

Barrington and chief financial officer Billy Gifford will represent Altria on the AB InBev board.