The Commission has cleared Fortune Brands, Inc. to acquire certain Allied Domecq plc brands and assets from Pernod Ricard S.A.. This acquisition is conditional on Pernod Ricard acquiring Allied Domecq.

Commission Chair Paula Rebstock said that the Commission was satisfied that the proposed acquisition would not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in the New Zealand markets for the importation or production of bourbon for distribution.

Fortune Brands is a publicly listed American company that produces and distribute a range of consumer goods, including wine and spirits. In New Zealand, Fortune Brand's primary brand in the wine and spirit category is Jim Beam whiskey. Fortune does not currently supply any wine in New Zealand.

Pernod Ricard is a publicly listed French company that produces and distributes wine and spirits. In New Zealand, Pernod Ricard's primary wine brands are Jacob's Creek and Wyndham Estate and its spirits brands include Ricard, Pernod, Chivas Regal Scotch whisky, Jameson Irish whiskey and Seagrams gin.

A public version of the written decision will shortly be available on the Commission's website, www.comcom.govt.nz under Public Registers.