Burger, Fries and a Stoli No Longer

French spirits company Pernod Ricard, which has just offered $14.2 billion (US) to acquire Allied Domecq in concert with Fortune Brands of the United States, appears to be in a hurry to cut loose Allied Domecq's franchise operations.

Allied Domecq, which is a leading international distiller (its portfolio of brands includes a few of my favourites:  Laphroaig and Ballantines Scotch, as well as Stolichnya Vodka, Kahlua and Canadian Club) currently owns and operates the Dunkin' Donuts, Togos and Baskin-Robbins franchise systems. 

Emmanuel Babeau, the Finance Director of Pernod Ricard, notes in this Reuters article that Pernod Ricard expects lots of interest from American companies in the franchise systems.