Stockholders are flyin’ high after yesterday’s announcement of an unsolicited $46 billion bid for Anheuser-Busch by Belgian brewer InBev SA. The deal would create the world’s largest brewer, and was greeted with both excitement and apprehension.

According to Lehman Brothers analyst Michael Branca, the offer “should certainly not take any by surprise.” He noted that InBev, whose popular brands include Stella Artois and Beck’s beers, has pledged to maintain Anheuser-Busch’s headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. The Belgium company has also promised to continue brewing at Anheuser-Busch’s existing facilities, and preserve the company’s heritage.

The plan has already drawn considerable opposition, however, and InBev may face a protracted uphill fight against political opponents such as Gov. Matt Blunt (R-MO).

“I am strongly opposed to the sale of Anheuser-Busch and today’s offer to purchase the company is deeply troubling to me,” said Blunt in a statement yesterday. The governor was quick to acknowledge, however, that he lacks an immediate means by which to block the sale.

Anheuser-Busch is the producer of such popular American brands as Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob, and represents a 48.5 percent share of the nation’s beer market. It also holds an interest in brewing operations in Mexico and China.

As of Thursday, it remained unknown whether or not the controlling Anheuser-Busch family was supportive of the takeover bid.