Japanese whisky maker Suntory Holdings on Saturday (Jun 1) denied a report that it was in talks to acquire US brewer Boston Beer, known for its Samuel Adams brand.
The Wall Street Journal had reported on the supposed acquisition on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Boston Beer said it was aware of the media report.
“We do not comment on rumors. We are fully focused on our business as an independent company and our return to growth,” the US company said in a statement.
Shares of Boston Beer fell about 5 per cent after the bell, reversing gains made in late trading after the report.
The deal would have given Suntory, which sells beverages like Jim Beam bourbon, Yamazaki whiskey and Roku gin, a bigger foothold in the U.S. beer market.
Back in 2014, Suntory paid US$13.6 billion to buy US spirits company Beam, giving it access to a stronger distribution network not just in the United States but in key emerging markets such as India, Russia and Brazil. It also sells in Japan and Europe.
The two parties were in early talks, the WSJ report said, adding that “it is still possible the talks won’t result in a transaction, or that another suitor could emerge”.
Boston Beer has a market capitalisation of roughly US$3 bil