Brown-Forman Rejects $15bn Buyout Offer From Rival Sazerac, Source Says
Brown‑Forman turned down Sazerac’s $15 bn cash offer (≈$13.9 bn in euros) of $32 per share, after earlier talks with Pernod Ricard collapsed. The Brown family favored Pernod Ricard’s stock‑centric merger, which would let them retain influence, whereas Sazerac’s proposal required full cash payment and loss of control. Sazerac, backed by Wells Fargo and Apollo, would have combined its $6 bn sales with Brown‑Forman’s $4 bn, creating a U.S. whiskey powerhouse. The rejection comes amid a sector‑wide slump that is pushing firms toward scale‑driven deals.
Diageo's New CEO Gets Breather As Rivals' Merger Fizzles
Diageo's new CEO Dave Lewis gets a reprieve after the proposed Pernod Ricard‑Brown Forman merger collapsed, removing a potential $17 bn rival that would have narrowed the gap with Diageo’s $20.25 bn sales. The deal’s failure eases immediate competitive pressure, but Lewis still...
AI Is The Biggest Driver Of Change In Retail, Says World Retail Congress Chair
At the World Retail Congress in Berlin, chair Ian McGarrigle declared AI the single biggest catalyst reshaping retail, warning that the 2030 winners will be those who invest heavily in artificial intelligence. German Digital Transformation Minister Karsten Wildberger stressed that...
Chinese Pigs Fed New Menu As Beijing Weans Farmers Off US Soy
Chinese pig farms are rapidly adopting fermented feed made from locally sourced brans, pumpkin vines and wine lees to cut reliance on imported soy protein, which accounts for 80% of China’s soy use. Feed costs, which represent 70% of pig‑rearing...
Keurig Dr Pepper Expands Partnership With Suntory Beverage & Food Europe
Keurig Dr Pepper and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe have broadened their long‑term alliance to push Dr Pepper, Canada Dry and other brands into 15 European markets, including France, Poland, Switzerland and Iberia. The deal emphasizes joint marketing, product innovation and logistics...
Consumer Megadeals Make A Rare Comeback In The First Quarter
Two blockbuster consumer mergers—Sysco’s $29 billion purchase of Jetro Restaurant Depot and McCormick’s near‑$45 billion acquisition of Unilever’s food business—were announced within 24 hours, propelling both into the global top‑10 deal rankings for Q1 2026. The deals mark the first time since 2015...
More Than A Quarter Of UK Shoppers Cut Grocery Spending Amid Rising Costs: GlobalData
GlobalData reports that 28% of UK shoppers have trimmed grocery spending as inflation and geopolitical tensions drive food prices higher. The first‑quarter survey of 500 consumers shows a generational split, with 38% of Gen X, 31% of Millennials and 28% of...
McCormick Bets On Flavour In Unilever Tie-Up Amid Shifting Tastes
McCormick announced a merger with Unilever’s food division, forming a $65 billion sauce‑and‑spice powerhouse. The deal aims to capture growing global demand for flavorful, low‑calorie products as GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs reshape eating habits. It also gives McCormick access to Unilever’s extensive...
Cholula Sauce Maker McCormick Beats Quarterly Sales Estimates On Steady Demand
McCormick reported first‑quarter revenue of $1.87 billion, topping analysts' $1.79 billion estimate, while adjusted earnings reached 66 cents per share versus the forecasted 59 cents. Volume slipped 0.7% but price increases of 1.9% lifted margins, offsetting higher tariff costs. The company reaffirmed its 2026...
European Private Label Awards 2026 – Winners Announced
The European Private Label Awards 2026 announced winners across 20 categories, showcasing the growing strength of store‑brand products in Europe. Italian retailer Conad topped the list with four awards, while Aldi Nord secured two wins in personal care and snacking....