[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 March 18, 2004 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-9076 13-3295276 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 300 Tower Parkway, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (847) 484-4400 ---------------------- INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. ------ ---------------------------------- (c) Exhibits. --------- 99. Press release of Registrant dated March 18, 2004. Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure. ------ ------------------------- Registrant is furnishing its press release dated March 18, 2004. The press release is included herewith as Exhibit 99 and is incorporated herein by reference. SIGNATURE --------- 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. --------------------- (Registrant) By /s/ C. P. Omtvedt ------------------------------- C. P. Omtvedt Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Date: March 18, 2004 EXHIBIT INDEX Sequentially Exhibit Numbered Page ------- ------------- 99. Press release of Registrant dated March 18, 2004.