The move is said to be intended as a way for Suntory to drive international sales of its Hibiki and Yamazaki whiskies and namesake beer through Beam's existing global sales network. Suntory's local Japanese drinks unit would be grouped within Beam Suntory, but oversee its own sales and product development for the home market. Beam declined to comment on the matter, saying only, "We'll have further announcements related to the transaction in due course."