Commission receives separate clearance application

15 June 2005

Commission receives separate clearance applications from Pernod Ricard and Fortune Brands

The Commerce Commission has received an application from Pernod Ricard S.A. (Pernod) seeking clearance to acquire the entire share capital of Allied Domecq plc (Allied).

The Commission has also received a separate application from Fortune Brands, Inc. (Fortune) seeking clearance to acquire certain Allied brands and assets from Pernod. This acquisition is conditional on Pernod's acquisition of Allied.

Pernod is a publicly listed French company that produces and distributes wine and spirits. In New Zealand, Pernod's primary wine brands are Jacob's Creek and Wyndham Estate and its spirits brands include Ricard, Pernod, Chivas Regal Scotch whiskey, Jameson's Irish whiskey and Seagrams gin.

Allied is a publicly listed English company that also produces and distributes wine and spirits. In New Zealand, Allied's primary wine brands are Montana and Corbans and its spirits brands include Teachers Scotch whiskey, Beefeater gin and Seagers gin.

Fortune is a publicly listed American company that produces and distribute a range of consumer goods, including wine and spirits. In New Zealand, Fortune's primary brand in the wine and spirit category is Jim Beam whiskey. Fortune does not currently supply any wine in New Zealand.

In considering these applications, the Commission's role is to determine whether any of the proposed acquisitions has the effect of substantially lessening competition in a New Zealand market.

The Commerce Act requires the Commission to make a decision within 10 working days of registering the application unless a longer period is agreed between the Commission and the applicant.

A public version of each of the applications will shortly be available on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under Public Registers.

ENDS

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