NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - South African Breweries Inc. confirmed Thursday it is in talks with Philip Morris Cos. Inc. about acquiring Miller Brewing Co. but said the discussions are preliminary.

SAB also said it has been in discussions with a number of "third parties" regarding consolidation in the beer industry and that no announcement will be made unless it reaches an agreement.

The statement confirms published reports Wednesday that SAB, which brews Castle and Pilsner Urquell beers, was in talks with Philip Morris. The Wall Street Journal, citing people close to the deal, said SAB wants to buy Miller for $5 billion in cash and stock.

SAB claims a 95 percent share of the South African market and also has breweries in China, where it is the largest non-Chinese brewer, and in Poland, the Czech Republic and Honduras.

Philip Morris (MO: down $0.04 to $53.26, Research, Estimates), which also makes Marlboro and Kraft products, previously had tried to find a buyer for the under-performing Miller brand without success.