SUNTORY CLOSES ON BEAM

THE ACQUISITION of Beam Inc., the Deerfield-based maker of Jim Beam, is now officially a done deal. Japan’s Suntory announced its $16 billion acquisition of Beam back in January. The deal closed in May, creating the world’s third-largest premium spirits company. Matt Shattock, Beam’s CEO since 2OO9, is now chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory. The Deerfield location will remain as the group’s headquarters. As a combined company, Beam Suntory has a bigger portfolio and distribution network. Beam Suntory had combined sales of $4.6 billion in 2O13, excluding excise taxes. Its leading brands include Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky. Other brands in the portfolio include Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Hakushu, Hibiki, Laphroaig, Courvoisier and Midori.