Pernod Ricard Group, Paris, announced the sale of its minority shareholding in Japan-based Suntory Holdings Limited. The shareholding was bought back by Suntory Holdings for approximately $57 million, which was received April 4.

 

The sale of the shareholding does not change the close relationship between the two groups and the ongoing development of their joint business in Japan, which continues to distribute certain Pernod Ricard brands, principally Ballantine’s, Beefeater, Kahlua and Malibu, Pernod Ricard said.

 

In addition, the company will sell $1 billion aggregate principal amount of its 5.75 percent fixed-rate notes due 2021. The transaction will enable the company to benefit from favorable funding conditions in the capital markets while further diversifying its sources of financing through a rebalancing of its mix of bank loans and bond debt, it said. The net proceeds of the issue will be used to repay a portion of U.S. dollar denominated loans under the group’s syndicated credit agreement.