Santo Domingo.- The Wall Street Journal today reveals that Anheuser-Busch InBev has emerged as the lead bidder for the country’s biggest brewery (CND), “in a potential deal that could give the Belgian brewer control over the maker of Presidente beer,” the local market loeader.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the WSJ said the deal being discussed is complex and would effectively partner Anheuser with Grupo León Jimenes, which owns 84% of CND. “Details of the potential deal were unclear, including what role Anheuser's Brazilian unit, AmBev, which trades separately in Brazil, would play,” the news source said, adding that said it “could ultimately result in Anheuser acquiring control of the Dominican brewer.”

It reports that the deal could be struck as early as this week, this person said, noting that one of its sources said the transaction would value CND at roughly $2.5 billion. “A spokeswoman for AB InBev and a CND representative both declined to comment.”

The Wall Street Journal added that if Anheuser, the world's largest brewer, seal a deal for control, “it would gain a beer brand that is exported to the U.S., Europe and various Caribbean countries.”