[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 October 17, 2002 (October 17, 2002) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 5. Other Events. Registrant's press release dated October 17, 2002, reporting Registrant's third quarter 2002 results, is filed herewith as Exhibit 99 and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (c) Exhibits. 99. Press release of Registrant dated October 17, 2002. 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: October 17, 2002 EXHIBIT INDEX Sequentially Exhibit Numbered Page ------- ------------- 99. Press release of Registrant dated October 17, 2002.