NORM WESLEY: “WE’RE INTERESTED IN BUYING ABSOLUT, NO MATTER WHAT PROCESS.”

Fortune Brands chief Norm Wesley said the 2nd quarter was much better for the company, thanks to strong wine and spirits growth that helped make up for the downturn in the U.S. housing market. The company’s continued focus on building its premium wine and spirits helped increase consumer demand for Jim Beam, Sauza, Maker’s Mark, Teacher’s and Clos du Bois, along with a successful integration of Allied Domecq brands. Year-to-date spirits and wine case volumes are up at a mid-single-digit