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PART II - EXHIBIT 15
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November 13, 2000
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 5th Street, N.W.
Attention: Filing Desk, Stop 1-4
Washington, D.C. 20549-1004
Re: Fortune Brands, Inc.
We are aware that our report dated October 19, 2000, on our review of
interim financial information of Fortune Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the
nine month period ended September 30, 2000 included in this Form 10-Q, has been
incorporated by reference into (a) the Registration Statement on Form S-8
(Registration No. 333-95919) relating to the Fortune Brands Retirement Savings
Plan, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-95925)
relating to the Fortune Brands Hourly Employee Retirement Savings Plan, the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-95909) relating to the
1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Fortune Brands, Inc., the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-51173) relating to the Fortune
Brands, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, and the prospectuses
related thereto, and (b) the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Registration
Nos. 33-50832 and 333-76371) of Fortune Brands, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 436(c)
under the Securities Act of 1933, this report should not be considered a part of
such registration statements or prospectuses or certification by us within the
meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.
Very truly yours,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, IL 60601
