In a deal that would shake-up the spirits scene, French company Pernod Ricard and America’s Brown-Forman are exploring a business combination.
Pernod Ricard boasts more than 200 brands and is the top company in international premium spirits (and the second largest worldwide). Its spirits, wine and Champagne portfolio includes brands such as Jameson, Beefeater, Absolut, and G.H. Mumm.
Brown-Forman, meanwhile, is America’s biggest spirits company with top whiskey brands Jack Daniels and Glendronach, alongside a portfolio of tequila and rum.
“If agreed and subject to customary approvals, this partnership would be akin to a merger of equals, drawing from the talent and expertise of both companies, and creating value for shareholders of both companies,” says a statement from Pernod Ricard.
“The contemplated combination would create a global spirits leader with enhanced scale, a powerful brand portfolio, and a balanced geographic footprint, all anchored by two iconic families.”
Brown-Forman, meanwhile, says it “regularly explores and evaluates strategic opportunities, and can confirm it is engaged in discussions with Pernod Ricard.”
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