New York, NY – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has signed IMG to help it extend the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s portfolio of brands through strategic licensing partnerships.  As part of the agreement, IMG will take charge of a program with 20 licensees in food and lifestyle products/

The company is best known for its Jim Beam® Bourbon, the world’s number one bourbon which celebrates its 225th anniverary this year.  The James B. Beam Distilling Company’s American Whiskey portfolio also includes Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden’s®, Booker’s®, Baker’s®, Legent® and Little Book®.

IMG will be tasked with developing products that celebrate the company’s extraordinary history, its good-natured and convivial style and its bold flavor profile. Targeted categories will include experiential, fashion, home, gift, memorabilia, grilling and bourbon-flavored foods.

Tom Bufalino, Director at James B. Beam Distilling Company, said: “As we celebrate our 225th year, this is the perfect time to extend our iconic brands to products and experiences that create new platforms and occasions to welcome consumers, old and new, to our product and personality. With their deep experience and resources, there is no better partner than IMG to accompany us on that journey.”

Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at IMG, added: “It’s an honor for us to join the First Family of bourbon. This is a beloved quintessentially American brand and a time-venerated quality product that is all about family values, shared experiences and accessibility. Through the Jim Beam licensing program, we will develop products that place an accent on each of those attributes.”

IMG will develop strategies and pursue licensing opportunities for many of the other distinctive brands in the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s portfolio including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, Legent and Little Book.

For more information on licensing opportunities, visit www.imglicensing.com.

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About IMG 

IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global entertainment, sports and content company.

Jo Robertson | IMG

Corporate Communications
T: +44 (0)208 233 6854 • M: +44 (0) 7392 088227 • Joanna.robertson@img.com

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