Press Releases: 2008

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Proposed 50/50 company for Ketel One with Nolet update

26 March 2008

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made a request for additional information under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (HSR) in connection with Diageo’s agreement with the Nolet family to form a 50/50 company for the sale and distribution of Ketel One vodka products.  The request, commonly referred to as a 'second request', will extend the waiting period imposed by HSR until, at the latest, 30 days after Diageo has substantially complied with the second request.  Diageo will comply with the second request as expeditiously as possible and will continue to cooperate fully with the FTC’s review.

As previously announced, completion of the transaction requires regulatory approval from the FTC. The waiting period can be extended voluntarily by the parties or terminated sooner by the FTC.

No further announcement will be made until completion of the transaction.

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Notes to editor:

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business.  With its global vision, and local marketing focus, Diageo brings to consumers an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across the spirits, wine and beer categories including Smirnoff, Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, J&B, Cuervo, Captain Morgan and Tanqueray, and Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.  Diageo trades in some 180 countries around the world and is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com

 

Contacts

Investor Relations:
Sarah Paul (UK) 
+44 (0) 20 7927 4326 
sarah.paul@diageo.com

Kelly Padgett  (US)
+1 202 715 1110 
kelly.Padgett@diageo.com

Media Relations:
Isabelle Thomas (UK)   
+44 (0) 20 7927 5967              
isabelle.Thomas@diageo.com

Rachel Rosenblatt (US)
+1 212 850 5697  
rachel.rosenblatt@fd.com