Most SABMiller investors voting by proxy supported Anheuser-Busch InBev's $104 billion takeover offer in advance of Wednesday's shareholder meeting, an early indication that the deal will go forward, according to people familiar with the matter. The vast majority of those shareholders voted in favour of the deal, according to the people, who asked not to be identified as the tallies aren't yet public. The bid requires assent from 75% of SABMiller shareholders, excluding its two biggest investors, who aren't voting due to a court ruling. Additional votes are expected during the meeting, including some from hedge funds that had lobbied against the deal, one of the people said. Most investors voted by proxy, the people said. Representatives from AB InBev and SABMiller declined to comment. SABMiller shares rose as much as 0.6z5 to 44.67 pounds in London, approaching ABI's cash bid of 45 pounds a share, while AB InBev gained 1.2% to 117.55 euros in Brussels. Proxy votes were due Monday at 9am in London.