PAUL WALSH GAURDED BUT “VERY INTERESTED” IN ABSOLUT

It seems like the media is in the midst of an Absolut craze as rumors and reports continue to pile on top of one another. In an interview with Paul Walsh, Reuters quotes the Diageo chief as saying the company is “very interested in Absolut.” Futhermore, Paul seems to think there are solutions if any anti-trust allegations arise, but would not comment specifically on potential concerns regarding European and US regulators.

“We can see solutions in all jurisdictions but the complexity will vary from market to market,” Walsh told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday

Paul points out several times that many of Diageo’s decisions depend on several factors, including financial details and market by market viability, or in other words, anti-trust problems. The Swedish government is expected to contact all likely buyers in October.

So while Diageo would like to acquire Absolut, it is not a “must have” acquisition, as Paul noted in an earlier interview. Reuters confirmed that Paul has not visited Sweden in connection with the sale of Absolut.