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Kirin reshapes global portfolio with sale of Four Roses bourbon

Kirin reshapes global portfolio with sale of Four Roses bourbon
Published Date
Feb 19 2026
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Image of Nick Wall
Nick WallPartner, Tokyo
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Taro NakashimaPartner, Tokyo
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Sabine ReusenAssociate, Antwerp
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Alexander Davis-WhiteAssociate, London
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Jason RothschildCounsel, Austin
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Sydney PhippsAssociate, New York
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Matthew BrownPartner, Washington DC
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Ryan LeskeCounsel, Washington DC
A&O Shearman has advised Kirin Holdings Company, Limited on the sale of its U.S. bourbon business, Four Roses. This strategic carve-out marks a significant step for Kirin in optimizing its global portfolio within the highly competitive food and beverage sector.

Leveraging deep sector knowledge and transactional expertise, A&O Shearman’s cross-border M&A team provided strategic counsel on complex deal structuring, regulatory approvals, and timing challenges, ensuring Kirin achieved value maximization while facilitating a smooth transition for the business.

“This transaction underscores our ability to execute sophisticated cross-border mandates that deliver lasting value for clients,

It also strengthens our longstanding relationship with Kirin, reflecting our shared commitment to driving strategic outcomes in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.”

The A&O Shearman team was led by Nick Wall, supported by Tokyo M&A partner Taro Nakashima, U.S. senior associate Rena Katsuyama, U.S. associate Sabine Reusen and Tokyo associate Keeha Oh, with the support of the U.S. IP team’s JB Betker and Alexander Davis-White; U.S. Employment team’s Brian Jebb, Jason Rothschild, and Sydney Phipps; U.S. Tax team’s Matthew Brown and Austin Jones; U.S. Antitrust team’s Noah Brumfield and Ryan Leske, and numerous other lawyers across the firm’s M&A, IP, Employment, Tax, Regulatory, Real Estate, Finance, Environmental and Sanction practices in Tokyo, New York, and other key offices.

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