core sector communique

BEAM INC. ANNOUNCES NEW CONVERSION RATE FOR ITS PREFERRED STOCK FOLLOWING SPIN-OFF Deerfield, Illinois, October 4, 2011 - Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM) today announced that the conversion rate of its $2.67 Convertible Preferred Stock increased from 6.601 to 8.411 shares of common stock per share of $2.67 Convertible Preferred. The adjustment in the conversion rate, effective as of 5:01 p.m. Central Time on September 20, 2011, was due to the spin-off of Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. on October 3, 2011. All other provisions with respect to the $2.67 Convertible Preferred remain unchanged. Formerly known as Fortune Brands, Inc., Beam changed its name immediately following the spin-off to reflect its singular focus as a leading global premium spirits company. About Beam Inc. As one of the world's leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Hornitos ™ Tequila, Knob Creek® Bourbon, EFFEN® Vodka, Pucker™ Flavored Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, DeKuyper® Cordials, and Skinnygirl® Cocktails. The Beam portfolio includes 10 of the world's top 100 premium spirits brands and some of the industry's fastest growing innovations. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2010 sales of $2.7 billion on volume of 33 million 9-liter cases. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.