On 12 May 1997 it was announced in London that the world's two largest
distillers, Grand Metropolitan P.L.C. and Guinness P.L.C. would merge.  The mer
ger, valued at $22.27 billion, was the fifth largest in history.  The merger
reflected the concern of the distillers over the decline in the consumption of
liquor as affluent consumers of distilled spirits have aged.  The merged
company will be called GMG Brands.  In addition to distilled spirits GMG Brands
is a major brewer and owns hotels, food manufacturers (e.g., Pillsbury), and
the Burger King fast food chain.
 
       David Fahey (Miami University) [log in to unmask]