The billionaire founder of Microsoft has bought a 3.76% stake in Dutch drinks giant Heineken Holding NV, although Gates has previously said he was “not a big beer drinker”.

United Spirits Limited (Diageo India) has announced an investment of INR 31.5 crores (US$ 4.1m) to acquire a strategic minority stake in Nao Spirits.

China: Diageo has been given the go-ahead to make an offer for the remaining shares of ShuiJingFang. The maximum offer stands at GBP630m.

Russian Standard Corporation has proposed the additional acquisition of nearly 20% of Central European Distribution Corporation’s (CEDC) shares as part of a "strategic alliance". 

SABMiller has proposed to make a conditional, off-market, cash takeover offer for all of the issued shares in Foster’s Group. 

Brown-Forman has announced that its board of directors has authorised the repurchase of up to $250 million of its outstanding Class A and Class B common shares until November 30, 2011, subject to market and other conditions.

Foster’s Group has announced a proposal to demerge Treasury Wine Estates at a cost of AU$151m.

Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) is to purchase the global rights for Kauffman vodka.

Pernod Ricard has sold its shares in Ambrosio Velasco to Diego Zamora for €33.1 million (excluding debt).