UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of
earliest event reported): July 20, 2006 (July 19, 2006)
Brown-Forman Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 002-26821 61-0143150
(State or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.)
incorporation)
850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40210
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (502) 585-1100
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On July 19, 2006, Brown-Forman Corporation issued a press release stating that
it has entered negotiations with Gruppo Italiano Wines (GIV) possibly to sell
its wine facility in Pedemonte, Italy to GIV. GIV would then produce and sell
wine to Brown-Forman Corporation for Brown-Forman's line of Bolla Italian Wines.
A copy of the press release is incorporated herein, furnished herewith and
attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
This report contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" as
defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Generally, words such as "will,"
"would," "should" and similar expressions identify a forward-looking statement,
which speaks only as of the date the statement is made. Except as required by
law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. We believe
that the expectations and assumptions with respect to our forward-looking
statements are reasonable. But by their nature, forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that in some
cases are out of our control. These factors could cause our actual results to
differ materially from Brown-Forman's historical experience or our present
expectations or projections.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Exhibits.
99.1 Press Release, dated July 19, 2006
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Brown-Forman Corporation
(Registrant)
Date: July 20, 2006 By: /s/ Nelea A. Absher
Nelea A. Absher
Vice President and Assistant
Corporate Secretary
Exhibit Index
99.1 Press Release, dated July 19, 2006, issued by Brown-Forman Corporation.
Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BROWN-FORMAN AND GIV EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LONG-TERM PRODUCTION
PARTNERSHIP
Louisville, KY, July 19, 2006 - Brown-Forman Corporation confirmed today that it
has entered into negotiations with Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV) to establish a
partnership for the production of Bolla Italian wines. Under discussion is the
possibility that Brown-Forman would sell its main Bolla wine production facility
in Pedemonte, Italy to GIV, which would then produce and sell wine to
Brown-Forman for its line of Bolla Italian Wines. Brown-Forman will maintain
ownership of the Bolla trademark and continue to market and sell Bolla Wines in
the U.S. and other markets around the globe. GIV would distribute Bolla Wines in
Italy, but Brown-Forman would maintain marketing responsibility.
"Our goal is to improve efficiency and gain flexibility in the sourcing of wine
for our Bolla brand, which has long been one of the leading premium Italian
wines sold in the U.S.," said Brown-Forman Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga.
"GIV and Brown-Forman already enjoy a long and productive partnership through
Fontana Candida Italian Wines, and GIV owns more than 15 wineries throughout
Italy. If these negotiations are successful, we will be able to source high
quality wines from GIV, improve our cost structure, and position Bolla for
improved performance."
Brown-Forman, which has marketed and sold Bolla Wines since 1968, should know
within 90 days whether it will enter into the agreement with GIV regarding
Bolla's production operations.
Brown-Forman Corporation is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality
consumer products, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka,
Canadian Mist, Fetzer and Bolla Wines, Korbel California Champagnes, and
Hartmann Luggage.