Anheuser raises red flag over InBev's Cuba unit

InBev's bid for Anheuser-Busch already has drawn political criticism.

Some U.S. lawmakers, including both senators from Missouri, where Anheuser-Busch is based, have expressed objections to the deal, arguing it could lead to job losses there.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama weighed in on Monday, saying it would be a "a shame" if the iconic American brewer was acquired by a foreign company.

"I don't think we can pass a law to prevent Budweiser's shareholders -- Anheuser Busch's shareholders -- from selling their company. That's part of the free market system," Obama said.

"I do think it would be a shame if Bud is foreign owned. I think we should be able to find an American company that is interested in purchasing Anheuser Busch if in fact Anheuser Busch feels that it's necessary to sell."

The U.S. Treasury Department reviews mergers that involve assets connected to national security, such as telecommunications infrastructure, technology, or ports. But beer?

"I don't think beer is a national security issue," said Sabino of St. John's University.

(Editing by Phil Berlowitz)

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