Pernod Ricard Blames Iran Conflict for Projected Sales Slump

Pernod Ricard SA expects disruption from the war in the Middle East to contribute to a slump in annual sales of as much as 4% as it continues to struggle with weak demand in the US and China.

The French spirits maker, which is in talks with US rival Brown-Forman Corp. on a possible merger, cited volatility and uncertainty for the negative projection published Thursday.