Davis Polk & Wardwell served as US counsel to the Swedish government and Vin & Sprit (V&S) in connection with the $455 million sale of the 10% interest in Beam Global Wines and Spirits (BGWS) held by V&S to Fortune Brands, the owner of the remaining 90% interest in BGWS.

V&S is an international producer and distributor of alcoholic beverages such as the Absolut Vodka brand. Deerfield, Illinois-based BGWS is a premium spirits company and maker of the #1 selling bourbon worldwide, Jim Beam. Fortune Brands is a leading consumer products company headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois.

The Davis Polk corporate team included partner Phillip R. Mills and associate Ashleigh S. Kyle. Partner Ronan P. Harty and associate Ian R. Rooney provided antitrust advice. Partner Gail A. Flesher and associate Hayden Baker provided environmental advice. The tax team included partner Kathleen L. Ferrell and associate Joanna Mork. Partners Arthur F. Golden and Joel M. Cohen and associate Edward N. Moss provided litigation advice. All members of the Davis Polk team are based in the New York office.