Anheuser-Busch to Participate in Global ‘Earth Hour’

Breweries, Theme Parks and Times Square Spectacular to Dim Lights in Support of Worldwide Effort

ST. LOUIS (March 27, 2009) – Imagine the Eiffel Tower, the pyramids in Egypt, Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and even the Las Vegas strip completely dark. That possibility will become reality during the Earth Hour 2009 Global Event taking place tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. local time. Earth Hour is a unified call to action on climate change. It will be observed by individuals, businesses and national monuments extinguishing decorative lighting and non-essential signage for the designated hour. The event is being supported by World Wildlife Fund, other environmental groups and local governments in more than 3,500 cities around the globe.

Anheuser-Busch is joining these worldwide landmarks by “powering down” the iconic Budweiser signage in New York City’s Times Square and exterior signage at its breweries and Busch Entertainment parks around the United States.

“We are extremely pleased that Anheuser-Busch is joining companies around the world in darkening its facilities in support of this unprecedented global vote for action on climate change,” said Dr. Richard Moss, vice president for climate change at World Wildlife Fund. “As businesses, communities, governments and individual citizens come together to participate in Earth Hour, it symbolizes that action will be required at all levels – from local to global – to solve the climate crisis.”

Thousands of cities and towns in 84 countries have committed to officially going dark for one hour as individuals, businesses, government buildings, schools and major landmarks turn off non-essential lighting in what will be the largest climate event in history. Nearly 300 cities have signed on to participate in the U.S., including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The states of Pennsylvania, California, Arkansas and New Mexico have also joined the effort. More information on Earth Hour can found at www.EarthHourUS.org.

“Energy conservation has been a goal at Anheuser-Busch for many years and since 2004 our domestic breweries have decreased electricity use by more than seven percent,” said Peter Kraemer, vice president, Supply for Anheuser-Busch. “This is all part of our efforts to be the best beer company in a better world.” Busch Entertainment Corporation’s 10 parks --- including SeaWorld and Busch Gardens -- also will join the initiative, turning power off to attractions such as Shamu Stadium, SeaWorld’s 400-foot-tall Skytower, Busch Gardens’ famous thrill rides and numerous other shops, signs and support areas.

The 10 Worlds of Discovery are recognized worldwide for their commitment to protecting wildlife and wild places. As partners for more than 10 years, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and World Wildlife Fund have worked together to help at-risk animals and habitats around the world, from saving sea turtles from derelict fishing gear to increasing anti-poaching patrols for tigers throughout Asia.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine’s Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. Anheuser Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world’s largest recyclers of aluminum cans. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information regarding the company’s environmental stewardship, go to www.ourpledge.com.

About World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour

Earth Hour (www.EarthHourUS.org) is a global initiative of WWF in which millions of people around the world will cast a vote in favor of action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on March 28, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. local time. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants will send a powerful, visual message to their leaders demanding immediate action on climate change. WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, stop the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.