Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Owner Favors Deal With Pernod Ricard (1)

The family that owns the maker of Jack Daniel’s whiskey favors a potential sale to the French distiller Pernod Ricard SA over an alternative proposal from its closely held American rival Sazerac Co., according to a person familiar with the company’s thinking.

Brown-Forman Corp. sees Pernod as the better fit because the combined company would be diversified across geographies and types of spirits, according to the person, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. Furthermore, proposed terms for the combination with Pernod would give the family a bigger stake in the business and more influence.

As part ...