Official Says Japanese Distiller May Bid For Beam, Inc.

A Japanese company is said to be considering making an offer to buy Beam, Incorporated.

An official with Suntory Holdings tells Bloomberg News that the Osaka-based whiskey and beer maker could make a solo bid for the American distiller or a joint offer with Diageo, the global spirits company headquartered in Britain.

Another media report, in England’s Sunday Telegraph, says Suntory and Diageo have held talks about bidding more than $10 billion for the company, but no formal offer had been made. Diageo and Beam officials have not commented publicly on a possible deal.

Suntory is apparently interested in a deal that would help boost the company’s overseas growth.

Beam, Incorporated is based in Deerfield, Illinois, but its brands include Kentucky-made bourbons Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.