FAIRPORT, N.Y., Mar 11, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, STZ.B) announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act in the United States has expired in relation to its acquisition of BRL Hardy Limited (ASX: BRL). The transaction is scheduled to close early April and is subject to customary closing conditions and approval by BRL Hardy shareholders (scheduled for March 20th) and the final approval of the Supreme Court of South Australia (scheduled for March 27th).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000918/NYM167LOGO )
About Constellation

Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands, with a broad portfolio of wine, spirits and imported beer. The Company is the largest single-source supplier of these products in the United States, and both a major producer and independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom. Well-known brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Corona Extra, Pacifico, St. Pauli Girl, Black Velvet, Fleischmann's, Estancia, Simi, Ravenswood, Blackstone, Banrock Station, Alice White, Talus, Vendange, Almaden, Arbor Mist, Stowells of Chelsea and Blackthorn.

About BRL Hardy

BRL Hardy Limited is a leading Australian producer and exporter of wine, with products sourced from Australia, New Zealand and France. The company's wines are distributed worldwide through a network of sales and marketing operations, with the majority of sales generated in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Major export brands include: Hardys Stamp of Australia, Hardys Nottage Hill, Hardys VR and Banrock Station. Other domestic and international brands include: Houghton, Nobilo, Leasingham, Moondah Brook, Yarra Burn, Stonehaven, Stanley and Renmano.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements set forth in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement in this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.

CONTACT:
Investor Relations - Emilio Ruocco, +1-585-218-3667, Mark
Maring, +1-585-218-3668, or Public Relations - Ginny Clark, +1-585-218-3669,
all of Constellation Brands, Inc.
/Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000918/NYM167LOGO

URL: http://www.cbrands.com
http://www.prnewswire.com

Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.