LONDON — SABMiller has suspended work on integrating its operations with those of Anheuser-Busch InBev while it reviews AB InBev’s sweetened bid, raising concern about completion of the 79 billion pound ($104 billion) takeover.

The suspension, announced by SABMiller CEO Alan Clark in a memo to employees on Tuesday, came soon after AB InBev increased its cash offer to 45 pounds per share. The higher price was meant to blunt a revolt by investors who had seen the relative value of their payout plummet as the pound declined following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.

All convergence planning has been “paused” and there should be no contact with representatives of AB InBev, the maker of Budweiser, as SABMiller’s board considers the offer, Clark said in the memo.

“I appreciate this will cause lots of internal and external speculation,” Clark wrote. “However, please stay focused, and I will updated you as soon as I am able to.”

One analyst said it was possible that SABMiller was simply moving cautiously.

“We do not consider it a sign SAB is considering changing its recommendation of the transaction,” St. Louis-based investment firm Stifel said in a statement. “Rather, we believe it is a symptom of fiduciary duty.”

The pause comes after SABMiller acknowledged that it had been surprised by what AB InBev said was its “final” offer.

Under U.K. takeover rules, a final offer can’t be increased.


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