The deal comes just a week after the company finalised its purchase of UK based Vodka brand Au Vodka.
The latest deal follows a busy period for the US drinks giant, which earlier this year made an “unsolicited” takeover approach for Brown-Forman, which was rejected.
It also acquired Svedka Vodka from Constellation Brands in December 2024.
Sazerac’s global spirits portfolio including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, BuzzBallz, Paul John Single Malt, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, SVEDKA Vodka, Myers’s Rum and Paddy’s Irish Whiskey.
Under a legally binding business combination agreement, Sazerac will launch a voluntary public takeover offer of Berentzen Group, the German based spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and juice company, at a price of EUR 5.55 per share. Sazerac intends to pursue a delisting the company, which is supported by the Berentzen Group.
Sazerac said it intends to broaden Berentzen Group’s existing portfolio and capabilities and will continue operating the existing sites and develop them further through increased investment.
Oliver Schwegmann and Ralf Bruehoefner, members of Berentzen Group’s executive board, said they believed the deal represented an “outstanding opportunity” for the group.
In a joint statement they said: “A high and steady rate of growth is of the utmost importance for achieving our strategic business objectives. In our view, the areas of innovative strength, sales capabilities and internationalisation play a particularly crucial role in this regard.
“These are precisely the areas in which Sazerac, as a globally positioned, financially strong partner, can make a real difference. Sazerac has enjoyed an impressive track record in recent years – also through strategic acquisitions.”
Jake Wenz, Sazerac CEO and President, said: “We greatly value the Berentzen Group’s long and storied history in the German market. Over centuries Berentzen Group has achieved remarkable success and strong market presence, and it is very important to us to carry this forward into the future.
“We are confident this business combination will be beneficial for both sides, enabling us to manufacture and distribute spirits products for the whole of Europe and beyond with greater flexibility and pace, including brands from the Berentzen Group, Sazerac as well as private-label ranges.”
