core sector communique

BEAM REAFFIRMS 2012 EARNINGS TARGET Company Encouraged by Continued Marketplace Momentum New York, NY, March 7, 2012 - Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM), a leading global premium spirits company, today reaffirmed its earnings target for 2012. In remarks prepared for delivery today at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Consumer & Retail Conference, Matt Shattock, president and chief executive officer of Beam, said: "We're pleased that the marketplace momentum we discussed a month ago is continuing, driven partly by sustained share gains for our industry-leading bourbon portfolio and strong initial reception for our latest innovations. Our encouraging start to the year reinforces our confidence in our target to grow diluted EPS before charges/gains at a high-single-digit rate in 2012." The company's earnings growth goal compares to adjusted pro forma diluted EPS of $2.12 in 2011. At the conference, Shattock will also update investors on the company's growth strategy, including global expansion in the growing bourbon category, development of the company's Power Brands in emerging markets, and stewardship of capital. The company's presentation will be webcast on the Internet, beginning today at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET. To access the webcast, go to "Webcasts and Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of the company's web site, www.beamglobal.com. An internet replay of the presentation will be available at www.beamglobal.com two hours after the live webcast. 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, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. 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 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry's fastest growing innovations. 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