The US Federal Trade Commission has finally given Diageo the green light to push through its partnership with the Nolet family and the Ketel One vodka brand.

In March, the FTC made a request for additional information under the US Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act in connection with Diageo's agreement with the Nolets to form a 50/50 company for the sale and distribution of Ketel One.

The clearance, announced today (5 June), now allows Diageo to proceed with the transaction, which will cost the drinks giant US$900m. Diageo said it expects the purchase and partnership creation, which will result in the newly-formed company owning the perpetual global rights to sell, market and distribute Ketel One, to complete on Monday (9 June).