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