LION’S ROB MURRAY: ALLIANCE WITH BEAM WINE ESTATES “CAPS OFF A SOLID 3RD Q”

Australia’s Lion Nathan reported that while its beer volumes were up 2.6% for the nine months ending June 2006 and 1.8% YTR, the wine division didn’t do quite so well. While core brands continued to drive volume in the segment, the company pointed out that conditions remain difficult due to the grape glut and downward pricing pressure.It’s not all bad in the wine business, though. Lion announced it has formed an alliance with Beam Wine Estates, a subsidiary of Fortune