Allied Domecq PLC, which owns Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Donuts and Togo's brands, has agreed to a friendly $14.2 billion takeover offer from Pernod Ricard SA and Fortune Brands, Inc. Allied Domecq has accepted the broad outline of the offer, but has not provided any details of the agreement. French beverage group Pernod has brands including Martell cognac and Jacob’s Creek wine, while Fortune Brands holds interest in and/or distributes U.S.-based liquor (Absolut Vodka and Jim Beam whiskey), sports equipment (e.g., Titleist, Cobra and Footjoy) and household products (Moen and Master Lock). News of the takeover by the liquor manufacturer has prompted rumors that a further sale of the franchise companies may lie ahead because the acquisition appears to be focused on improving Pernod's position in the liquor industry, particularly against British-based Diageo PLC (former owner of Burger King Corporation).
Posted by franchiselawblog at March 30, 2005 04:18 PM