Mumbai:  Beam Inc., a leading global premium spirits company, today begins trading as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange.  Formerly known as Fortune Brands, Beam is the remaining company following the separation of Fortune Brands’ businesses completed on October 3rd.  In India, Beam is comprised of Beam India business with market leading brand portfolio of Teacher’s Scotch whisky and a suite of other premium, international brands with head quarters based in Delhi and bottling plant located at Behror, Rajasthan.

Beam is the world’s fourth largest premium spirits company and the largest U.S.-based spirits company.  Its leading brands include Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Courvoisier Cognac, Canadian Club Whisky, Teacher’s Scotch, Laphroaig Single-Malt Scotch, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Pucker Flavored Vodka, and Skinnygirl Cocktails.  The company’s annual sales were $2.7 billion in 2010 on volume of approximately 33 million 9-liter cases.

“This is an incredibly proud day for the 3,200 people of Beam worldwide,” said Matt Shattock, president and chief executive officer of Beam.  “Our people are passionate about winning and are focused squarely on outperforming our markets and creating long-term value for our shareholders.  With the benefit of our portfolio transformation from 2005 to 2007, the enhanced routes to market we built in 2008 and 2009, and the turbocharged brand investments behind sustainable growth initiatives we’ve made over the past two years, Beam is ready to accelerate profitable growth as a pure-play spirits business.  We look forward to building on our current momentum in the dynamic global spirits marketplace, and continuing our strong, disciplined stewardship of capital to further drive shareholder value.”

“In India, we couldn’t be more excited about the future of Beam,” said Harish Moolchandani, CEO & MD of Beam India & ISC. “While our brands date back more than two centuries, in many ways this is the start of a new, bright beginning for our company. We look forward to the opportunities ahead and toast the future!”

Following the final day of trading in Fortune Brands shares on October 3rd, the people of Beam marked the company’s emergence as a standalone spirits business with a celebration at its Clermont, Kentucky, distillery that was webcast company-wide to local celebrations at Beam’s facilities around the world.   The event, which included appearances by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Master Distiller Fred Noe, the great grandson of Jim Beam, underscored Beam’s centuries of heritage, handcraftsmanship and importance to the American and global economy.  The company is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois with operating and commercial locations around the world.

In India, the local market Beam team celebrated by hosting local recognition and festivities as well as uniting the entire company with Beam employees around the world.

In recognition of BEAM’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange, representatives of the company will ring the Closing Bell at the NYSE on Friday, October 7th.