# Diageo's new CEO Dave Lewis has caught an early break.

*business · news · 2026-05-05 · MarketScreener*

## Key points

- Merger talks between Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman have officially collapsed, reducing immediate competitive threats.
- Diageo lacks financial capacity for major acquisitions like Brown-Forman due to high net debt levels.
- Dave Lewis, Diageo's new CEO, is signaling a pivot to cheaper spirits and overhauling customer service.
- Sazerac's potential Brown-Forman acquisition could give it 40% of the U.S. whiskey market.

**Companies:** Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Brown-Forman, Sazerac
**Countries:** United Kingdom, United States

[Read the full story on MarketScreener](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/diageo-s-new-ceo-gets-breather-as-rivals-merger-fizzles-ce7f58dfde88f322)

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