Anheuser-Busch buying Goose Island

CHICAGO — The beer giant Anheuser-Busch is buying Goose Island brewery for $38.8 million in a deal announced yesterday.

St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch said the move will help Goose Island meet a growing demand for Honkers Ale and its other brands. Anheuser-Busch has distributed Goose Island beers since 2006.

Goose Island’s founder and president, John Hall, will stay on as chief executive. Chicago’s two Goose Island brew pubs are not part of the deal and will continue operating.