Beam sells value Canadian whiskies to Luxco

DEERFIELD, Ill. Beam Inc., a leading global premium spirits company, and Luxco, a leading producer, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products, today announced a definitive agreement for Beam to sell a collection of brands, including related inventory, to Luxco.Among others, the brands include Lord Calvert Canadian and Canada House Canadian whisky. Both whiskies are currently made by Alberta Distillers of Calgary, Alberta.“Following the premium brand acquisitions we’ve made in the past two years, this move reduces portfolio complexity in economy vodka and Canadian whisky, and reinforces Beam’s focus on developing our Power Brands and Rising Stars, which are our most profitable growth engines,” said Matt Shattock, president and chief executive officer of Beam Inc.Beam segments its brands into Power Brands, Rising Stars, Local Jewels and Value Creators. The brands being divested to Luxco are among Beam’s Value Creators.“We are thrilled to be adding these brands to our portfolio. Beam has done a great job in establishing them across many markets and categories. We look forward to expanding them further and bolstering our entire portfolio with our distributors,” said Donn Lux, chairman & CEO of Luxco.The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by the end of January. As part of the transaction, Beam will continue to produce and bottle the brands through at least January 2014.Beam’s brands include Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails.Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility.Luxco, based in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading producer, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, it is owned and operated by the Lux family. Its portfolio of brands include: Juarez tequila & triple sec, Pearl Vodka, Everclear brand grain alcohol, Arrow Cordials, Ezra Brooks & Rebel Yell bourbons, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, Salvador’s cocktails, Yago Santgria wine and other well-recognized brands. It also owns and operates the Paramount Distillers and Meier’s Wine companies based in Ohio.