Fortune, whose brands include Jim Beam, Titlelist and home fixture maker Moen, saw sales drop 19% in the fourth quarter of 2008 from the same period a year earlier. Sales for the year were off 11%. The company cut staff, did not award corporate bonuses, and closed facilities, including reducing home product facilities by 35% from their peak before the housing market collapse. 

In announcing results on Feb. 9, chief executive Bruce Carbonari said the company would remain focused on optimizing its cost structure and cash flow, investing in the current portfolio, and expanding its international presence. - Suzanne Stevens