Rumours of £7bn bid for Foster's

RUMOURS of a £7 billion bid by London-listed brewing giant SABMiller for its Australian rival Foster's persisted yesterday.

SABMiller - which brews beers including Coors, Grolsch and Peroni - has long been linked with a takeover of Carlton & United Breweries, Foster's brewing division.

Earlier this year, Foster's announced plans to split itself in two by spinning off its struggling wine business, stoking interest in its beer arm.