[5] June 2008
Diageo receives US FTC approval to form a 50/50 Company with Nolet for Ketel One Vodka
Diageo announces that it has received regulatory approval from the US Federal Trade Commission in respect of the agreement with the Nolet family over its 50% equity interest in a newly formed company which will own the perpetual global rights to sell, market and distribute Ketel One super premium vodka. The deal was announced on 5 February 2008. The transaction is expected to close on 9 June 2008. Diageo will pay $900 million for its equity stake.
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Notes to editor:
About Diageo
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 London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.
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For further information:
Investor relations:
Catherine James Kelly Padgett
+44 (0) 20 7927 5272 +1 202 715 1110
catherine.james@diageo.com kelly.Padgett@diageo.com
Media relations:
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+44 (0) 20 7927 5967
James Crampton
+ 44 (0) 20 7927 4913