Jack Daniel’s owner Brown-Forman has rejected a renewed takeover offer from Sazerac to focus on delivering long-term growth.

A statement from the US spirits group last night confirmed it had received an unsolicited approach from Sazerac but had concluded the offer was “not actionable”.

Reports suggest Sazerac tabled an offer worth $32 a share that valued Brown-Forman at around $15bn.

“Brown-Forman’s board and leadership team are confident that the company will continue to deliver long-term growth and shareholder value,” Brown-Forman chairman Marshall Farrer said.

“The company remains focused on executing its strategic plan, including expanding its geographic footprint, building brands that resonate with consumers, and enhancing operational efficiency, while continuing to explore additional opportunities to create sustained value for all shareholders. We are excited about what lies ahead, including the next chapter of leadership.”

Any sale of Brown-Forman would need the approval of the Brown family, which traces its roots with the company back to 1870.

A statement from Wolf Pen Branch, a collection of Brown family members representing the majority of Brown-Forman class A shares, added: “As fourth, fifth and sixth-generation shareholders of Brown-Forman, we care deeply about the company – its brands, its people, and its culture.

“We are confident in the strength and competitive position of the business, and believe the company is well positioned to deliver long-term value for all shareholders. We have concluded that Sazerac’s proposal does not align with this vision for Brown-Forman’s future.”

New Orleans-headquartered Sazerac, a privately owned group behind the likes of Southern Comfort and Buffalo Trace bourbon, has not officially commented on the offer.

It follows the breakdown of merger talks between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard earlier this year. Speculation also emerged at the time that Sazerac had made a competing bid to take over the group, but neither firm officially confirmed the approach.

Earlier this month, Brown-Forman CEO Lawson Whiting announced he would step down after spending almost 30 years with the group.