NATIONAL DISTILLERS <DR> TO SELL SPIRITS UNIT National Distillers and Chemical Corp said it signed a definitive agreement to sell its spirits division for 545 mln dlrs to James Beam Distilling Co, a unit of American Brands Inc <AMB>. The sale of the spirits division was made under the company's previously announced plan to sell its spirits and wines businesses, it said. The wine business was sold last month for 128 mln dlrs to Heublein Inc, part of Grand Metropolitan PLC, National Distillers said. The purchase price will be paid in cash, a National Distillers spokeswoman said. The sale permits National to focus on its core businesses, chemicals and propane marketing. Proceeds from the sale will be used to repay debt and for other corporate purposes, the company said. In a separate statement, American Brands said the sale would be for 545 mln dlrs plus the assumption of liabilities. The sale would be subject to compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other regulatory approvals, the company said. National's distilled spirits business has sales of about 580 mln dlrs, American Brands said. National's spirits brands include Gilbey's gin and vodka, DeKuyper Liqueurs and Windsor Supreme Canadian Whisky.