Allied Domecq, Seagram Discuss Merger

Allied Domecq has held talks with Canada’s Seagram Co. on merging their alcoholic beverages businesses, people familiar with the discussions said. Allied Domecq has held talks with other spirits companies as the world demand for liquor declines, but a merger with Seagram is the most likely eventual partnership, the sources said. A merger would bring together such Allied Domecq brands as Ballantine’s scotch whiskey, Beefeater gin and Courvoisier cognac, and Seagram’s Chivas Regal whiskey, Martell cognac and Mumm champagne.