One of the largest theme park operators in the United States, Anheuser-Busch, is to be acquired by global drinks giant InBev.

The combined group, which will be called Anheuser-Busch InBev will be one of the world's five largest consumer products companies.

Through its Busch Entertainment Corporation division, Anheuser-Busch operates 10 parks in the US, collectively known as the Worlds of Discovery and including the Seaworld, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove and Aquatica brands.

In February this year Busch Entertainment Corporation reached an agreement with Dubai-based Nakheel to create Worlds of Discovery parks on the Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai, with the first phase scheduled to open in 2012.

In 2005, the company unveiled its 'Heres to the Heroes' programme offering free admission to military personnel and their families to its theme parks.

Anheuser-Busch is the leading US-based brewer, holding a 48.5 per cent share of US beer sales, and brews Busweiser and bud Light.