Pernod Ricard has agreed to the acquisition offer from Stock Spirits Group, finalizing the purchase of Clan Campbell, a prominent Scotch whisky brand.
On June 23rd, the French spirits conglomerate announced through a statement that they had reached an initial agreement with Stock Spirits Group regarding the brand, indicating that both parties have signed a preliminary agreement.
Described on Pernod Ricard’s website as “a key premium Scotch in France”, Clan Campbell was launched in 1984.
The company expressed that Clan Campbell holds a prominent position as “one of the top brands” among the selection of 12-year-old blended Scotch whiskies available in France. Additionally, it enjoys distribution in several other European markets, such as Spain and Italy. Recently, the company introduced a new spirit drink called Clan Caribbean, which is based on rum.
Pernod Ricard, the proprietor of renowned Scotch whisky labels Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal, has expressed its intention to adapt its portfolio in order to cater to the ever-changing demands of its consumers. The company aims to seize enhanced prospects for premium offerings while ensuring that its brand lineup aligns with the evolving preferences of its customers.
Alexandre Ricard, Pernod Ricard’s chairman and CEO, added, “Following a successful series of targeted acquisitions, the disposal of Clan Campbell will enable our teams to focus on priority brands.”
Over the past year, the company has made significant acquisitions, obtaining majority ownership in various businesses. These include the purchase of Skrewball, a popular flavoured whisk(e)y brand based in the United States, as well as the acquisition of high-end Tequila brand Código 1530. Just recently, through its majority-owned subsidiary Corby Spirit & Wine, the company also acquired Ace Beverage Group, a local producer of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages.
In June of the previous year, Pernod Ricard divested itself of its Tormore Scotch whisky distillery, relinquishing ownership of the facility.
In the company’s latest complete fiscal year, spanning until June 30, 2022, the net sales from its Scotch whisky segment experienced a noteworthy 30% year-on-year increase. This growth was attributed, in part, to the recovery witnessed in both the on-trade sector and travel retail following the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, Scotch whisky constituted 21% of Pernod Ricard’s overall sales.
While the group does not disclose specific net sales figures for individual brands, it has revealed that 1.3 million cases of Clan Campbell were sold during the previous financial year.
Stock Spirits, a vodka and brandy producer headquartered in Poland, is under the ownership of the private-equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The company boasts a diverse portfolio that encompasses renowned products such as Żołądkowa de Luxe vodka and Stock 84 brandy.
Stock Spirits was approached for their official statement regarding the agreement, and their response was requested.
Pernod Ricard said the deal “remains subject to consultation with the relevant employee representative bodies”.
An inquiry was made to Pernod Ricard to clarify whether the transactions exclusively revolve around the Clan Campbell brand or if there are other assets involved as well.
