Japanese distiller Suntory is buying the US spirits company that makes Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbons, as well as Courvoisier cognac and and Sauza tequila. <br /><br />It is the latest Japanese beverage firm seeking overseas growth as the population in its home market shrinks. <br /><br />The cash deal – worth $13.6 billion (9.94 billlion euros) makes Suntory boss Nobuhiro Torii head of the world’s third-largest spirits producer in what is reported to be Japan’s third-largest announced outbound takeover deal of all time.<br /><br />This gives the Japanese firm access to a stronger distribution network in the US and key emerging markets including India, Russia and Brazil.<br /><br />Suntory makes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Kakubin Japanese<br />whiskies, Bowmore Scotch whisky and Midori liqueur.<br /><br />Once the acquisition is completed, Suntory will become the third largest whiskey company and the fifth largest malt whiskey company by volume, according to International Wine & Spirit Research. <br /><br />The combined company will have annu
