Pernod sells off Bushmills brand

Pernod Ricard, the French drinks giant that owns the Midleton Jameson distillery, has sold off its Bushmills whiskey brand to Diageo for €298m.

Diageo is the parent of Guinness and the world’s largest drinks group, which also produces such big brand names as Baileys, Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky, Smirnoff Vodka and Gordon’s Gin.