Drug prices top list of health concernsWASHINGTON — Americans from across the political spectrum are worried about the cost of prescription drugs for serious diseases, following weeks of news coverage about companies hiking prices for critical medicines.Keeping drugs for cancer, hepatitis, HIV and other conditions affordable is the top health priority for Democrats, Republicans and independents, according to a poll released Wednesday by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.Overall, 77 percent of those surveyed said the issue was their No. 1 health concern.

AB InBev, SABMiller extend merger talksLONDON — Budweiser maker Anheuser Busch InBev’s $106 billion bid for SABMiller has been delayed as the world’s two biggest brewers iron out details of the complex deal that ultimately needs the approval of regulators stretching from the United States to South Africa.The U.K.’s Takeover Panel on Wednesday granted a one-week extension of the deadline for AB InBev to make a formal offer, delaying it until Nov. 4.The companies said AB InBev had confirmed the financial terms of the agreement in principle announced Oct. 13, as well as arrangements to finance the cash portion of the offer.

Snyder’s-Lance will buy Diamond FoodsCHARLOTTE, N.C. — Snyder’s-Lance is buying Diamond Foods in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $1.27 billion, adding to its roster of healthier snacks.Diamond owns Emerald snack nuts and Diamond of California culinary nuts, as well as Kettle Brand potato chips, Pop Secret popcorn. Snyder’s-Lance owns Snyder’s of Hanover and Cape Cod.Shareholders of Diamond Foods will receive 0.775 Snyder’s-Lance shares and $12.50 in cash per share. The transaction also includes about $640 million in debt. Diamond Foods stockholders will own about 26 percent of the combined company once the transaction closes.