has been granted early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period from the US Federal Trade Commission for review of its proposed acquisition by a Japan-based beverage firm Suntory Holdings.On 13 January 2014, the Japanese firm agreed to acquire Beam for around $16bn.
Beam president and chief executive officer Matt Shattock said that the grant is another important step towards completing the acquisition of Beam for $83.50 per share, and the transaction remains on track to close in April.
Expected to close in the second quarter of 2014, the transaction is also subjected to regulatory clearance in the European Union, the approval of Beam stockholders and customary closing conditions.
Beam manufactures and sells distilled spirits. The company's principal products include bourbon whiskey, tequila, Scotch whisky, Canadian whisky, vodka, cognac, rum, cordials, and ready-to-drink pre-mixed cocktails.
