Davis Polk advised Barclays Capital Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Santander Investment Securities Inc., Standard Chartered Bank and UBS Securities LLC as joint book-running managers on an SEC-registered offering by Diageo Capital plc of $750 million principal amount of 0.625% notes due 2016, $650 million principal amount of 1.125% notes due 2018, $1.35 billion 2.625% notes due 2023 and $500 million principal amount of 3.875% notes due 2043, in each case guaranteed by Diageo plc.
Headquartered in London, Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business, with a market capitalization of approximately £49.6 billion. Among the wide range of premium brands it produces and distributes are Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskies, Smirnoff vodka, Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur, Captain Morgan rum, J&B Scotch whisky, Buchanan’s Scotch whisky, Windsor Premier Scotch whisky, Cîroc vodka, Tanqueray gin and Guinness stout.
The Davis Polk corporate team included partner Paul E. Kumleben, associate Phillip G. Sharp and former associate Martin Bengtzen. Partner John D. Paton and associate Sarah Joy provided tax advice. Claire Lim was the legal assistant on the transaction. All members of the Davis Polk team are based in the London office.
