Japanese drinks maker to purchase Jim Beam producer

Family-owned Japanese drinks maker Suntory Holdings Ltd. said it will buy Beam Inc., the producer of Jim Beam, for about $13.6 billion in cash, saying the deal will create a global player in premium spirits with annual sales of more than $4.3 billion.

Beam's portfolio also includes Maker's Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, according to the Wall Street Journal.

It joins Suntory's portfolio of Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, and Kakubin, Bowmore Scotch whisky and Midori liqueur.

Read more from the Wall Street Journal.