Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, To Be Headquartered In Westport, Connecticut.

OLD GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 1999--In a major step towards finalizing the consolidation of its U.S. Spirits operations, Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, (ADSUSA) has signed a lease for a new corporate headquarters site located in Westport, Conn., announced Martin Jones, President & CEO of ADSUSA. The building, located at 355 Riverside, is a 40,000 square foot, three-story office building that overlooks the Saugatuck River.

Situated near Westport's main business district, the building lies between two major arteries, Route 1 and I-95, and a short distance from the Merritt Parkway and the Westport station on the Metro North train line. It features a dramatic three-story glass atrium lobby and offers a picturesque setting. An April 1 occupancy date is anticipated.

Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, was created in September 1998, when it was announced that the marketing, sales and operations functions of Hiram Walker of Southfield, Mich., and Domecq Importers of Old Greenwich, Conn., were effectively being combined. Since that announcement, the company has maintained both offices while looking for a headquarters site.

"We are excited to be completing this critical step in the reorganization of our U.S. spirits business," said Jones. "It positions us to move into the next millennium with a new and vibrant organization in place in a setting that promises to be both unique and stimulating for our employees."

The facility will house approximately 125 employees involved in such functions as marketing, sales, legal, communications, finance, as well as the company's senior management. Additionally, Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine personnel, including George Mc Carthy, President of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, The Americas, and the company's Global Brand Development group will also be based in Westport.

Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, is the domestic sales, marketing and distribution company for premium spirits brands from Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, the No. 2 spirits group worldwide in terms of volume sales. Included among its major brands are: Kahlua, America's leading imported liqueur; Sauza tequila, the world's fastest growing spirits brand; Courvoisier, America's No. 2 selling cognac; and Maker's Mark, the original hand-crafted bourbon.

Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine is part of Allied Domecq PLC, the London-based $7.33 billion international spirits and retailing group which also includes Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togos, as well as restaurants, pubs and off-license retailers in the United Kingdom.

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