Allied Domecq's £560m cash purchase of Malibu is the latest in a series of competitive bids that the UK-listed global drinks giant has won with the support of Goldman Sachs.
Allied Domecq beat off a rival bid from French drinks group Pernod Ricard. Illinois-based Fortune Brands, is also understood to have teamed up with Swedish drinks company Vin & Sprit, owner of the Absolute vodka brand, in bidding for Malibu.