3 Beam execs to leave before sale to Suntory

Three executives of liquor maker Beam Inc. have resigned ahead of the Deerfield company’s $16 billion takeover by Suntory Holdings Ltd.

Chief financial officer Robert F. Probst and controller Leo A. Mierzwicki will leave the company on May 31 and July 10, respectively, according to a filing Friday with Securities and Exchange Commission. William A. Newlands, president of North American operations, will resign as of May 31 and become a consultant to the company, the filing said.

Beam, whose liquor brands include Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, agreed in January to be acquired by Japan’s Suntory. Beam shareholders approved the sale in March, and the companies said they hoped to complete the deal in the second quarter.

Suntory has a portfolio of spirits, with whiskies including Yamazaki and Hakushu as well as Midori liqueur and other beverages. It already distributes Beam’s products in Japan. Beam distributes Suntory’s products in Singapore and other Asian markets.

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