Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has secured approval from the European Commission (EC) for its proposed merger with SABMiller.

This approval, which is under phase I of the EU merger review process, will help AB InBev to close the deal in the second half of this year.

In order to allay regulatory concerns and secure approval, AB InBev signed an agreement to sell Peroni, Grolsch and Meantime brands, and their associated businesses in Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and internationally with the exclusion of certain US rights to Japanese firm Asahi.

"AB InBev plans to sell its Central and Eastern European businesses to one or two buyers."

The EC gave its approval to Asahi for the acquisition of these brands.

Additionally, AB InBev proposed the sale of SABMiller’s businesses in Central and Eastern Europe, which includes the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.

AB InBev plans to sell its Central and Eastern European businesses to one or two buyers. It stated that this divestment could be completed following the closure of the merger with SABMiller.

The company has also secured clearance decisions in Australia, India, South Korea, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, the EU, Albania, and Ukraine.

In Ecuador, the regulatory approval is subject to some conditions.

In regions where it still has to receive clearance, AB InBev plans to engage with the relevant authorities.