Princes Group Regulatory News (PRN)

1 Jul 2005 07:32

Pernod-Ricard SA01 July 2005 1 July 2005 Not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, in or into or from, Australia, Canada or Japan Pernod Ricard receives clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice for proposed acquisition of Allied Domecq PLC Paris, 1st July 2005 - Pernod Ricard is pleased to note that the U.S. FederalTrade Commission and Department of Justice have granted clearance of itsacquisition of Allied Domecq PLC. The clearance is subject to the implementationof the Framework Agreement with Fortune Brands, Inc. The U.S. agencies have also granted early clearance of the sale to FortuneBrands, Inc. of the majority of the brands provided for under the FrameworkAgreement, while the Federal Trade Commission continues its review related tothe Canadian Club and Maker's Mark brands. Pernod Ricard would continue to holdthose brands on a temporary basis. This U.S. clearance follows the clearance received from the European Commissionon 24th June and the approval of Pernod Ricard's shareholders to increase theshare capital of the Company at the extraordinary general meeting heldyesterday. The acquisition remains subject to the approval of the antitrustauthorities in Canada as well as the approval of Allied Domecq's shareholders. "We welcome this clearance" said Patrick Ricard, Chairman and CEO of PernodRicard. "We now look forward to the outcome of the Allied Domecq shareholdermeetings on Monday and believe that we remain firmly on track for meeting theproposed timetable with completion occurring by the end of July." For more information, please contact: Francisco de la VEGA, Communications VP Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 96Patrick de BORREDON, Investor Relations VP Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 41 71Florence TARON, Press Relations Manager Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 88Chris BARRIE, Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: +44 (0)20 7638 9571/ +44 (0)7968 727 289 or visit our website at www.pernod-ricard.com Terms defined in the scheme circular dated 25 May 2005 have the same meaning inthis announcement. The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in certainjurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in any suchjurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published or distributedshould inform themselves about, and observe, such restrictions. Any failure tocomply with the restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities lawsof any such jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute an offer for sale of securities or aninvitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of anoffer to buy any securities pursuant to the announcement or otherwise in anyjurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The new Pernod Ricard shares to be issued to the Allied Domecq shareholderspursuant to Allied Domecq's Scheme of Arrangement are not and will not beregistered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 or any other US regulationsapplicable to securities. The new Pernod Ricard shares will be issued pursuantto a registration exemption provided by Article 3(a)10 of the Securities Act. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange