just the ten - Top News Stories of 2009

With the end of the year looming, just-drinks is running a series of 'Top Tens of the Year' in the run-up to Christmas.

Today, it's the Top Ten Most Read News Stories of 2009.

10: FRANCE/ITALY: Pernod Ricard sells Tia Maria to Illva Saronno
27 July 2009
To read story, click here.
Pernod Ricard has continued its divestment programme with the Pernod Ricard has continued its divestment programme with the sell-off of its Tia Maria coffee liqueur brand to Illva Saronno.

9: US: Constellation Brands offloads value spirits business
12 January 2009
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Constellation Brands has lined up the sale of most of its spirits business, which consists of over 40 different brands, to Sazerac Company.

8: UK: Innocent Drinks bunks up with Coca-Cola Co.
6 April 2009
To read story, click here.
The Coca-Cola Co. has secured a minority stake in UK smoothie company Innocent Drinks.

7: AUS: Foster's to keep wine business, streamline operations
17 February 2009
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Foster's has said that it intends to keep its struggling wine business, but will separate its wine and beer divisions and dispose of more than 30 "non-core" vineyards, as well as 37 brands.

6: INDIA: Diageo, United Spirits talks conclude
25 August 2009
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The long-running discussions between Diageo and United Spirits over a possible stake purchase have collapsed, with Diageo walking away from the table.

5: CHINA: Coca-Cola Co. Huiyuan buy gets authorities' cold shoulder
18 March 2009
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The Coca-Cola Co. has seen its bid to buy China's Huiyuan Juice Group turned down by the country's Ministry of Commerce.

4: US: PepsiCo seals deal to buy bottlers
4 August 2009
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PepsiCo has reached a deal to buy out its major bottlers, PepsiAmericas and Pepsi Bottling Group, after raising its offer to US$7.8bn.

3: BELGIUM: Anheuser-Busch InBev agrees Oriental Brewery sale to KKR
7 May 2009
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Anheuser-Busch InBev has finally confirmed that it will sell its South Korean brewing operations to private equity group Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) & Co.

2: MEXICO: FEMSA confirms beer unit "opportunities" talks
2 October 2009
To read story, click here.
Fomento Economico Mexicano has confirmed that it is in discussions to "explore opportunities" involving its beer business.

1: UK: Diageo to cut jobs, close sites in Scotland
1 July 2009
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Diageo is to cut more than 10% of its workforce in Scotland as part of a restructuring of its operations in the country.