Diageo PLC today announces the acquisition of Bundaberg Rum, following an agreement by United Distillers & Vintners Australia, which is part of its beverage alcohol business Guinness UDV, to purchase 50% of the Bundaberg Rum brand and business from Bundaberg Sugar Group Ltd.
UDV Australia already owns 50% of Bundaberg Rum and has acted as the marketing, sales and distribution agent for the brand since 1991. The purchase price, which is not material to Diageo plc, is not disclosed.
Notes to editors
Diageo is one of the world´s leading consumer goods companies. Formed in December 1997 through the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness, Diageo has an outstanding portfolio of world famous food and drinks brands including Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Guinness, J&B, Tanqueray and Burger King. Diageo employs some 72,000 people across more than 200 markets worldwide. In July 2000, Diageo announced that its strategy will focus on growing its beverage alcohol business. Diageo has agreed to combine its Pillsbury food business with General Mills and will work towards a partial flotation of Burger King. For more information about Diageo and its brands, please go to
www.diageo.com