Allied Domecq Spirits North America Awards Courvoisier Account to GlobalHue and Russell Simmons.

Business Editors

WESTPORT, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 2003

Allied Domecq (NYSE:AED), a marketing-led brands business, today announced GlobalHue as its global advertising, promotion and grassroots marketing agency for its fast-growing Courvoisier Cognac brand.

Kim Manley, Chief Marketing Officer, Allied Domecq, said GlobalHue along with music and entertainment mogul Russell Simmons will continue to "provide content, credibility and relevant partnerships for Courvoisier in the converging worlds of fashion, music and media."

Russell Simmons, Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications said "I'm excited about our new relationship with GlobalHue. It gives us an infrastructure to better serve Courvoisier and Allied Domecq."

Simmons played a key role in a breakthrough marketing campaign that catapulted Courvoisier to double-digit sales growth.

Courvoisier's innovative marketing programs are based on a strategy aimed at adult urban tastemakers that was crafted several years ago at Allied Domecq. The campaign - which features leading-edge print ads, radio spots and "Club CV" parties -- was based on the insight that sophisticated fashion is a driving force among the urban culture.

Barbara Jackson, Marketing Vice President for Courvoisier in the U.S said "Since the campaign's introduction, Courvoisier has led the transformation of cognac from a drink of dusty, old wood-paneled rooms to a mixable, sociable, decadent cocktail. We're linking Courvoisier's sense of style with sociability to create a fashionable and premium brand and lifestyle that every discerning, urban consumer aspires to."

Kevyn Lewis, President and Chief Creative Officer of GlobalHue, said "this is a prime opportunity to further build the momentum of a growing brand and an exciting campaign. Our expertise in the urban market, combined with Russell Simmons' proven ability to reach key influencers, will help us position Courvoisier for further success."

Courvoisier is imported into the U.S. by Allied Domecq Spirits North America.

Allied Domecq:

Allied Domecq Spirits North America is a Westport, Conn.-based division of Allied Domecq PLC. Allied Domecq is a marketing-led brands business that operates globally in spirits and wine and quick service restaurants. Powerful and exciting brands drive profitable growth and strong consistent cash flows. Leading North American brands include Kahlua, Stolichnaya Vodkas, Sauza Tequilas, Beefeater, Malibu flavored rum, Canadian Club, Courvoisier, Maker's Mark, Midori, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Buena Vista, William Hill Wines, Clos Du Bois, Atlas Peak, Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's.

Allied Domecq Spirits North America's vision is to be the first-choice supplier in the hearts and minds of its customers, consumers and employees. The company's new Move to Market structure, which takes effect Jan. 31, 2003, will help Allied Domecq achieve this vision by bringing the company closer to its customers in the marketplace.

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Rush Communications:

Rush Communications is a ground-breaking multi-media force in the marketplace which includes fashion, film, television, marketing and even a hit Broadway show Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. Rush incorporates the hip and trend-setting clothing lines Phat Farm for men and Baby Phat for women and the pioneering television show Def Poetry Jam on HBO which evolved from Def Comedy Jam, the break-through show that brought the faces of hip hop into living rooms across America and launched the careers of Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, DL Hughley, Steve Harvey, and Cedric the Entertainer. Rush Communications is at the forefront of bringing the universal language, messages and appeal of hip-hop to the masses.

GlobalHue:

GlobalHue is the first and largest minority-owned, full-service marketing communications agency dedicated to cultural and multicultural consumer audiences. With offices in Dallas, Miami, New York, San Antonio and Southfield, Michigan, GlobalHue provides its clients with African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and urban market expertise. The agency's annual billings exceed $330 million.

GlobalHue's clients include: American Airlines, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of California, DaimlerChrysler, Hilton Hotel, Johnson & Johnson, Mary Kay, Miller Brewing Company, Salomon Smith Barney and Verizon Wireless.