Suntory Holdings in $16 Billion Acquisition of Beam

Cleary Gottlieb represented longstanding client Suntory Holdings in its acquisition of Beam Inc. for approximately $16 billion. Suntory and Beam entered into a definitive agreement under which Suntory will acquire all outstanding shares of Beam. The transaction was announced on January 13 and closed on April 30. 

The transaction created the world’s #3 premium spirits player with a portfolio of leading brands across key spirits categories, enhanced global reach and unparalleled expertise in the fast-growing whisky category.

Founded in Osaka, Japan in 1899, Suntory Group is Japan’s leading player in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Beam, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, is one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies.