just the Round-Up - The week in drinks

The top ten stories published on just-drinks last week:

• ITALY/JAMAICA: Gruppo Campari takes control of Appleton Estate's Lascelles deMercado

Gruppo Campari has lined up the third largest purchase in its history, with the acquisition of majority control of Lascelles deMercado & Co, parent company of the Appleton Estate and Wray & Nephew rum brands.

• AUS: Beam Inc unveils RTD party kegs as beer alternative

Beam Inc has launched two of its Australian RTDs in a five-litre keg format ahead of the summer events season.

• GLOBAL: Drinks co's should go local in emerging markets - analyst

Multinational alcoholic drinks companies should look to cultivate a local brand presence in emerging markets going forward, according to an industry analyst.

• UK: Pernod Ricard counters M&A inactivity charge, opens door to future buys

Pernod Ricard has defended itself against charges levelled by an analyst last week, claiming that Diageo is seen as a more attractive investment vehicle, thanks to the latter's stronger activity in the M&A arena.

• UK: Britvic investors "should be relieved" over AG Barr merger talks - analyst

A merger between Britvic and AG Barr “makes a lot of sense”, an analyst has said, with “management mishaps” such as the Fruit Shoot product recall forcing Britvic into a corner.

• AUS: SABMiller restores Victoria Bitter to original abv as leadership falters

SABMiller has called time on the current formula for its Victoria Bitter brand in Australia, after the beer lost its market leadership status earlier this year.

• UK: PepsiCo silent over Britvic, AG Barr merger talks

PepsiCo has declined to comment on its role in a proposed merger between UK soft drinks companies Britvic and AG Barr.

• US: Versatile wine outshines beer, spirits - research

Wine growth outpaced spirits and beer in the US last year as consumers increasingly viewed it as a drink for all occasions, according to recently-released research.

• SINGAPORE: Heineken circles 28 September for Fraser & Neave vote on APB

Fraser & Neave has set a date for a shareholder vote on Heineken's offer for its stake in their brewing joint venture, Asia Pacific Breweries.

• AUS: Coca-Cola Amatil closes on US$60m Pacific Islands deal

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has completed its takeover of a former Foster's Group Pacific Islands brewery and distillery for AUD58m (US$60m).