Jim Beam sold for $15Billion !!

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BEAM, the maker of Jim Beam and Marker's Mark alcohol brands, has agreed to be acquired by Japan's Suntory Holdings Ltd for about $US13.6 billion ($A15 billion).

Shares of the spirits maker jumped in Monday premarket trading.

Suntory has a portfolio of spirits, with whiskies including Yamazaki and Hakushu as well as Midori liqueur and other beverages. It already distributes Beam's products in Japan. Beam distributes Suntory's products in Singapore and other Asian markets.

Suntory President and Chairman Nobutada Saji said in a statement that the acquisition will help Suntory further its global growth.

The combined company is expected to have annual sales of spirits products of more than $US4.3 billion.

Beam President and CEO Matt Shattock and the Deerfield, Illinois, company's current management will continue to run the business.

Suntory will pay $US83.50 per share, a 25 per cent premium to Beam's Friday closing price of $US66.97. The companies put the deal's value at about $US16 billion, including debt.

Suntory plans to fund the deal with available cash and fully committed financing from The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.

Both companies' boards unanimously approved the transaction, which is targeted to close in the second quarter.

The deal needs approval from Beam Inc stockholders.

Beam's stock gained $US16.41, or 24.5 per cent, to $US83.38 in premarket trading about two hours before the market open.
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