Modelo CEO unaware of any InBev-Anheuser talks

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The CEO of Mexico's No. 1 brewer Modelo said he is unaware of any takeover talks between Belgium's InBev NV INTB.BR and U.S.-based Anheuser-Busch Cos (BUD.N) and said consolidation of the industry could easily involve other major beermakers.

Carlos Fernandez also said in an interview that Modelo, which is 50 percent-owned by Anheuser, does not have any agreed option to buy Anheuser's 50 percent stake, though there are provisions for the American brewer to consult it if it faces a takeover.

Fernandez, who is also on Anheuser's board, said Modelo, the maker of Corona Beer, has a lot of options and will be examining them. Asked whether he thought Modelo would retain its independence over the next year, he said, "Based on what we have seen today, yes."

(Reporting by Martin Howell and Chris Aspin; editing by John Wallace)