Boston Beer in early deal talks with Japanese whisky-maker Suntory, WSJ reports
Adds Boston Beer's statement in paragraphs 2-3, updates shares in paragraph 4
May 31 (Reuters) -Japanese whisky-maker Suntory Holdings is in talks to acquire U.S. brewer Boston Beer SAM.N known for its Samuel Adams brand, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Boston Beer said it was aware of the media report .
"We do not comment on rumors. We are fully focused on our business as an independent company and our return to growth," the U.S. company said in a statement .
Shares of Boston Beer fell about 5% after the bell, reversing gains made in late trading after the report.
The deal would give Suntory, which sells beverages like Jim Beam bourbon, Yamazaki whiskey and Roku gin, a bigger foothold in the U.S. beer market.
Back in 2014, Suntory paid $13.6 billion to buy U.S. spirits company Beam, giving it access to a stronger distribution network not just in the United States but in key emerging markets such as India, Russia and Brazil. It also sells in Japan and Europe.
The two parties were in early talks, the WSJ report said, adding that "it is still possible the talks won't result in a transaction, or that another suitor could emerge".
Boston Beer has a market capitalization of roughly $3 billion.
Suntory could not be immediately contacted for a response.
Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel
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