Suntory Buys Beam for $16 Billion

Suntory just became the third largest spirits maker in the world, as they inked a deal to buy U.S. spirits company Beam Inc., the makers of Jim Beam and other spirits. In the deal, Suntory is paying $13.6 billion for Beam Inc.’s assets and assuming the company’s outstanding debts, for a total purchase value of $16 billion dollars. Suntory is based in Japan and is the distributor for Jim Beam brands there. US consumers might not be as familiar with the Suntory brand unless they’re already Japanese whisky drinkers, but Suntory also owns Bowmore Scotch and Midori liqueur. Beam’s holdings include Maker’s Mark, Canadian Club, Sauza , Pinnacle Vodka, Courvoisier and Hornitos. Beam also produces more upscale brands like Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Booker’s.