Diageo May Seek Its Fortune With Jim Beam

[William]

Diageo Plc is poised to be the leader in a race for Fortune Brands Inc's $8 billion plus Jim Beam spirits business if the U.S. conglomerate is pressed into breaking itself up.

The world's biggest spirits group would be attracted to Fortune's U.S. whiskies to fill a gap in its spirits portfolio and tap into the growing popularity of American whiskies such as Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's around the world.

Full story here:
www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/diageofortunejimbeam.htm

[Andy M]

I seen this in the Press & Journal today:

Three whiskies could be about to change hands as American owner Fortune Brands looks to offload its spirit business.

Fortune, whose brands include Jim Beam bourbon, was said yesterday to have hired Barclays Capital, Credit Suisse and adviser Centreview to sell its spirit arm.

Any deal struck will mean a new home for the Laphroaig and Ardmore single malts plus the Teacher's blended whisky.

UK drink giant Diageo, the company behind Johnnie Walker and a host of other whiskies, and France's Pernod Ricard - whose portfolio includes Scotch labels Chivas Regal, The Glenvlivet and Ballantine's - are both understood to have hired advisers in relation to Fortune's sale.

Representatives of Diageo and Pernod Ricard - which posted annual results yesterday - refused to comment.

It is thought Diageo is particularly keen to get its hands on Jim Beam and then use its vast distribution network to build the brand into stronger competition to Jack Daniel's in the global bourbon market.

[Crane]

Would Diageo be allowed to buy Laphroaig and Ardmore although i would think they are not the distilleries Diageo are after i would think they would love to get their hands on Jim Beam so they can get a share of the enormous bourbon whiskey market which Jack Daniels dominates.

[PK88]

Doesnt Laphroaig make a big thing about there connection to Jim Beam and the fact that they use Jim Beam bourbon barrels to mature there whisky.

[Kenny M]