[CONFORMED COPY]
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
January 21, 2005
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Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
FORTUNE BRANDS, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-9076 13-3295276
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
300 Tower Parkway, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (847) 484-4400
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the
following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
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The following information is provided pursuant to Item 7.01 of Form
8-K, "Regulation FD Disclosure" and Item 2.02 of Form 8-K, "Results of
Operations and Financial Condition." Registrant is furnishing its press release
dated January 21, 2005, which reports Registrant's fourth quarter 2004 and full
year 2004 results as well as certain guidance for 2005. The press release is
included herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Pursuant to general instruction B.2 to Form 8-K, the information furnished
pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes
of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of
that section.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
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See "Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition"
above.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
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(c) Exhibits.
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99.1 Press release of Registrant dated January 21, 2005,
is being furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01.
SIGNATURE
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Current Report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
FORTUNE BRANDS, INC.
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(Registrant)
By: /s/ C. P. Omtvedt
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C. P. Omtvedt
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: January 21, 2005
EXHIBIT INDEX
Sequentially
Exhibit Numbered Page
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99.1. Press release of Registrant dated January 21, 2005, which is being
furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01.