Pernod says Brown-Forman talks 'ongoing' after reported rival offer

Pernod unveiled in March talks for a "merger of equals" to create a global spirits leader built around their flagship brands, including Absolut Vodka and Jameson whiskey. But the company declined to comment directly on reports of a rival Brown-Forman offer from the US spirits group Sazerac, during its presentation of quarterly sales to end-March. "Discussions are ongoing, so at this stage, I have no further comments to make, "Helene de Tissot, Pernod's vice president for finance, said during a conference call with analysts.