Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) said on Friday that its merger with SABMiller could result in thousands of job losses across the globe as it consolidates its operations.

The Belgian-Brazilian brewer, which has a reputation for aggressive cost-cutting expects to eliminate about 3% of its combined workforce in the three years following the completion of the merger.

The job cuts are part of the company’s strategy to save $1.4bn per year over the next four years.

“It is anticipated that these job reductions will be implemented gradually, in phases, over a three-year period following the completion,” the companies said in a statement.

The final tally is likely to be higher because AB InBev did not assess integration planning of sales and front office supply roles, which could push the figure up higher.

SABMiller had a pre-merger head count of 70,000 worldwide, while AB InBev maintained a 150,000 strong workforce.