The United States District Court of New York Dismisses Lawsuit Brought by Colombia Against Pernod Ricard

Regulatory News:

Press release - Paris, 9 November 2012

Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) is pleased to announce that the lawsuit brought against the Company, Diageo and Seagram in New York by a number of Regional Departments of Colombia has been dismissed without prejudice. These Departments hold a constitutional monopoly for the production and distribution of spirits in Colombia. The case was originally filed in October 2004 and alleged that the defendants committed acts of unfair competition by selling their products through illegal distribution channels and received payments from organisations involved in money laundering. These allegations have always been vigorously denied by the defendants and Pernod Ricard therefore welcomes the dismissal. Pernod Ricard will continue to work with the Colombian Regional Departments in a cooperative effort to fight against smuggling and counterfeit products and to promote competitive markets that benefit consumers and producers alike.

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of € 8,215 million in 2011/12. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate (formerly Montana), Campo Viejo and Graffigna wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of nearly 18,800 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 "Brand Companies” and 75 "Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.