Japan's Suntory to buy U.S. spirits maker Beam for $13.6 billion cash
By Martinne Geller and Olivia Oran
LONDON Mon Jan 13, 2014 3:19pm EST
(Reuters) - Suntory Holdings Ltd on Monday said it would buy U.S. spirits company Beam Inc for $13.6 billion cash in a deal that would make the Japanese company the world's third-largest spirits maker.
Including the assumption of Beam's net debt, the deal is valued at $16 billion. It brings together Beam's Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbons, Courvoisier cognac and Sauza tequila with Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Kakubin Japanese whiskies, Bowmore Scotch whisky and Midori liqueur.
The deal is the latest example of how Japanese beverage companies are seeking to quench their thirst for overseas growth as the population in their home market shrinks.
Zitat It brings together Beam's Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbons, Courvoisier cognac and Sauza tequila with Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Kakubin Japanese whiskies, Bowmore Scotch whisky and Midori liqueur.
I can't think of a bigger list of shitty booze brands. I also can't think of a country less equipped to know what good booze is about. Japs are notorious for drinking half a Bud and passing out because of their low tolerance. What a disgrace all around. As long as Suntory stays the hell away from the rest of Scotland and all the other single malt producers, I will be happy. Bowmore isn't that hot.