Fortune gets go ahead to buy Maker's Mark

Joe Bates

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The joint buyer of Allied Domecq receives clearance to acquire the highly-rated bourbon brand

Jim Beam owner Fortune Brands has received regulatory clearance from the US Federal Trade Commission to go ahead with its purchase of bourbon brand Maker's Mark and its distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.

Maker's Mark was one of over 20 wine and liquor brands Fortune agreed to purchase from Pernod Ricard after its acquisition of Allied Domecq in July this year, but the purchase of the bourbon brand remained subject to regulatory approval in the US.

Fortune Brands chairman and CEO Norm Wesley commented: "As one of the most respected and fastest-growing brands in the spirits industry, Maker's Mark will be a high-impact addition to our newly-enhanced spirits and wine portfolio. It continues to experience double-digit growth year after year. We see continued momentum for the brand and excellent international growth opportunities. Along with Jim Beam, Knob Creek and our other small batch bourbons, Maker's Mark gives us an all-star bourbon line-up with leadership positions at all premium tiers."

Annual sales of Maker's Mark exceed 500,000 cases.