Pernod Ricard, through Chivas Brothers Limited, has received a firm offer from Stock Spirits Group. The proposed transaction remains subject to consultation with the relevant employee representative bodies and regulatory and labor procedures in France.
Clan Campbell is one of the leading brands in the blend-12 yo Scotch whisky category in France, with presence also in other European markets such as Spain, Luxembourg, and Italy. Its range has increased in recent years with the addition of Clan Caribbean rum-based spirit drink.
Stock Spirits Group is a Central European based spirits company present in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Italy. It owns more than 70 brands, including Zoladkowa Vodka, Stock 84 brandy, Limonce limoncello or Bozkov rum. The group has more than 1,200 employees and exports to more than 50 countries worldwide.
Stock Spirits says the acquisition of Clan Campbell will help it expand into France and other Western European markets.
Pernod Ricard – whose Scotch whiskies include Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet - says the transaction is part of its ‘active portfolio management, aiming at adapting to the evolving needs of its consumers and providing greater opportunities for premiumization.’
Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, said: “Our dynamic and broad-based growth across categories and geographies is strengthened by our active portfolio management strategy. Following a successful series of targeted acquisitions, the disposal of Clan Campbell will enable our teams to focus on priority brands.”
Stock Spirits expands outside of key markets
Meanwhile, Stock Spirits has also entered into exclusive negotiations to purchase Dugas, a French independent distributor of premium spirits.
Dugas, established in 1980, is a leader in the value-add distribution of premium spirits in France. It offers one of the widest ranges of exclusive and premium brand name spirits in France and specialises in the fast-growing rum and whisky segments.
As with the proposed acquisition of Clan Campbell, the purchase will help Stock Spirits expand outside its central European stronghold.
