UPDATE 3-Busch family member backs 'strong' Anheuser-Busch

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By Martinne Geller

NEW YORK, June 21 (Reuters) - Andrew D. Busch, a nonemployee member of Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc's (BUD.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) founding Busch family, said on Saturday that he supports the U.S. brewer's efforts to remain "a strong company headquartered in St. Louis."

Busch, an uncle of Chief Executive August A. Busch IV, said he supports his nephew, the board of directors and the management team of Anheuser-Busch as they evaluate and respond to the $46.3 billion takeover bid by Belgian-Brazilian brewer InBev NV (INTB.BR: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

"I believe that Anheuser-Busch has created substantial shareholder value over the long term and that it will continue to maintain the best interests of the shareholders and employees," Busch said.

However Busch, who is not a company employee and has no role in decisions about the company's future other than as a shareholder, stopped short of recommending that Anheuser should reject InBev's $65-per-share bid.

Andrew Busch has "substantial" shareholdings in the maker of Budweiser and Michelob, according to a spokesman who declined to provide more details, including whether Busch supported rejecting the bid.

Busch added that he does not speak for other family members.

The statement comes a day after Anheuser's board met face-to-face for the first time since receiving InBev's unsolicited takeover bid. The company issued a statement late on Friday saying that no response had been made by the board and that it would continue to review and consider the proposal.