Brown-Forman, Bacardi merger possibility reported

There's no official word on the possibility, but the Sunday Telegraph today said Brown-Forman Corp has hired investment bankers to look at a possible merger with rival Bacardi.

The British newspaper said Brown-Forman had hired Lazard to advise it on options ranging from selling individual brands to a merger with Bacardi.

"Brown-Forman and Bacardi are medium-sized, family-controlled businesses that fit well together," the newspaper quoted an unnamed drinks industry insider as saying.

Brown-Forman, headquartered in Louisville, KY, has an extensive brand portfolio that includes Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist and Old Times whiskies; Finlandia vodka; Don Eduardo and Herradura tequilas; Fetzer, Sonoma-Cutrer and Michel Picard wines, and, Tuaca, Chambord and Southern Comfort liqueurs.

Bacardi Ltd., headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, has about 200 products. Among them are Bacardi rum; Bosford, Bombay and Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose and 42 Below vodka; Cazadores tequila; Noilly Pratt vermouth; Dewar's, William Lawson's, Aberfeldy, Glen Deveron and Craigallachie Scotch whiskies, and B&B and Benedictine liqueurs.

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