Dutch brewing group Heineken has confirmed it was approached by SABMiller about a possible sale but that it rejected the offer.

News agency Bloomberg said on Sunday SABMiller approached the Heineken family about a possible buy-out to defend itself against a potential bid by Anheuser Busch InBev.

In a short statement, the Dutch brewer said ‘the Heineken family has informed SABMiller, Heineken and Heineken Holding of its intention to preserve the heritage and identity of Heineken as an independent company.’

Analysts told RTLZ Heineken’s major shareholders, the Heineken family, have made it very clear it is not for sale at any price.

Bloomberg says SABMiller has long been seen as the ‘final target’ for AB InBev, which is the world’s biggest brewing group. SABMiller, originally South African, bought Dutch brewer Grolsch in 2008.