Suntory buys Beam for $16 bil.

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Japanese drinks giant Suntory has inked a deal to buy US bourbon maker Beam for about 16-billion dollars.

The new firm will bring together Suntory’s beers and scotches with Jim Beam bourbon and other brands like Maker’s Mark.

The combined company will be the world’s third-largest spirits maker in sales.

Suntory’s CEO Nobutada Saji said the deal marks the birth of a powerful new liquor firm.