Reported $15B bid revealed for Brown-Forman as Louisville company draws interest

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A potential blockbuster deal involving one of Louisville's biggest companies is gaining new momentum.

According to our partners at Louisville Business First, citing a report from The Wall Street Journal, Sazerac made a $15 billion offer — about $32 per share — to acquire Brown-Forman, the company behind Jack Daniel's.

The report cites people familiar with the matter, not the companies themselves.

LBF reports both declined to comment on the speculation in recent days.

Sazerac isn't alone in its interest. France-based Pernod Ricard is also in talks with Brown-Forman, though details of a potential offer were not disclosed.

The latest developments follow earlier reports that Sazerac approached Brown-Forman about a possible merger, while the company also confirmed it was in discussions with Pernod Ricard.

Brown-Forman previously said it "regularly explores and evaluates strategic opportunities" but does not plan to comment further unless a deal is finalized.

Any potential acquisition could have major implications for Louisville, as a deal would bring together some of the city's most prominent spirits companies.