POLAND – Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-largest wine and spirits seller, has accepted an offer from Stock Spirits Group to sell the Clan Campbell Blended Scotch Whisky brand to the spirits and liqueur producer.
The two companies have agreed in principle and the proposed transaction remains subject to consultation with the relevant employee representative bodies.
Described on Pernod Ricard’s website as “a key premium Scotch in France”, Clan Campbell was launched in 1984.
The French alcoholic giant says the brand is one of the leading brands in the blend-12 yo Scotch whisky category in France, with a 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.
The owner of Chivas Regal and Absolut Vodka is active in portfolio management, aiming at adapting to the evolving needs of its consumers and providing greater opportunities for premiumization.
In France, the Group’s portfolio of Scotch whiskies includes the blended whiskies Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal, as well as The Glenlivet and Aberlour single malts.
Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, stated: “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 Group is focusing primarily on developing a new range of products and services, entering new markets, and developing a portfolio of high-quality products.
The company is a Central European-based spirits company present in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Italy, owning more than 70 brands, including Zoladkowa Vodka, Stock 84 brandy, Limonce limoncello, or Bozkov rum.
Pernod Ricard to acquire a majority stake in Ace Beverage Group
Meanwhile, Pernod Ricard’s Corby Spirit and Wine division is set to acquire a 90% stake in Canadian RTD company Ace Beverage Group (ABG) for CAD$165 million.
Corby, Canada’s second-largest marketer, and distributor of spirits and wines is majority owned by Pernod Ricard.
According to Pernod Ricard, this acquisition will enable its Corby division to add scale, expertise, agility, and efficiencies in the Canadian RTD category while also helping ABG benefit from its distribution network to support its brands in further growing their presence across Canada.
ABG, which was established in 2020 through the merger of Cottage Springs (founded 2013) and Ace Hill (founded 2015), produces the flagship brand Cottage Springs which is the leading RTD brand in Ontario.
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