Allied Domecq's George McCarthy to Retire; Todd Martin Named as Successor.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 1999--

Allied Domecq PLC announced today that Todd Martin, 44, will be appointed a Director of the company and President of Allied Domecq Spirits and Wines (ADSW) -- The Americas, effective March 1, 2000. Todd will succeed George McCarthy, who will retire as a Director and President, ADSW -- The Americas on that date.

Todd Martin has been the Global Marketing Director for Allied Domecq PLC since March 1998. He joined the company after a 20-year career in senior marketing and general management positions with leading consumer goods companies.

Allied Domecq's Chief Executive, Philip Bowman, commented: "Todd's appointment is in line with our declared strategy of reinforcing Allied Domecq's position as a dynamic, international, marketing-led brands business. We all wish George McCarthy a busy and happy retirement and thank him for the contribution he has made and the enthusiasm and dedication he has shown over his long career in the industry and in his time with the company."

Based in Westport, Conn., ADSW -- The Americas incorporates the sales and marketing of Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine brands in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and South America.

ADSW -- The Americas is a regional unit of London-based A llied Domecq PLC, the world's second largest international spirits group and a leading global food service business. The "new" Allied Domecq came into effect in September 1999 following the disposal of the company's UK retail business. The Spirits & Wine business owns 12 of the top 100 premium spirits brands, including Ballantine's scotch whisky, Beefeater gin, Kahlua and Sauza tequila. The company's Quick Service Restaurants business includes such leading brands as Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins. The company's profit is primarily derived from the world's strongest and most stable markets of North America and Europe. If new Allied Domecq had traded in 1998, it would have made pro-forma trading profits of (pound)429 million on a turnover of (pound)2.4 billion. For more information, visit the company's website at www.allieddomecqplc.com.

Please enjoy our products responsibly.

Notes to Editors:

The U.S. units of ADSW -- The Americas include:

-- Allied Domecq Spirits -- USA, also based in Westport, Conn. ADS-USA is the domestic sales, marketing and distribution company for such leading brands as Kahlua, Sauza Tequilas, Beefeater Gin, Courvoisier cognacs, Maker's Mark Bourbon, Canadian Club, Midori, Hiram Walker Liqueurs and Carolans Irish Cream. Created in late 1998 by the integration of the former Hiram Walker Inc. and Domecq Importers, ADS-USA is headed by president and CEO Martin Jones, who was recently named "Industry Leader of the Year" for his role in launching the new company.

-- Allied Domecq Wines -- USA, based in Healdsburg, California. ADW-USA is responsible for managing the U.S. wineries and directing the sales and marketing of wines including Callaway, Clos du Bois, William Hill and Atlas Peak. ADW-USA also distributes Balbi wines from Argentina, Domecq sherries and ports and Marques de Arienzo Riojas, as well as Harveys Bristol Cream sherry and Cockburn's port. ADW-USA is headed by Michael Jellison, president.