just-drinks Spirits review 2008

Pernod Ricard’s unexpected move for Absolut in March set the tone for a year in which Diageo eschewed any significant acquisitions in favour of joint deals with existing brand owners. Olly Wehring reviews the major events in the spirits arena during 2008.

Spirits review 2008 - Pernod’s swoop for Absolut defines 2008 as Diageo has quiet year

19 December 2008

just the answer - Stolichnaya

26 August 2008

Pernod Ricard's acquisition of Absolut has once again made the future of Stolichnaya a subject of intense speculation. Pernod had been in negotiations with Russian owner SPI Group about a possible acquisition of Stolichnaya, but for anti-trust reasons has had to abandon any such plans and walk away from its existing international distribution agreement for the brand. Chris Mercer spoke with SPI minority shareholder Andrey Skurikhin about Stoli’s future.

BREAKING NEWS: Pernod Ricard wins race for Vin & Sprit

31 March 2008

Pernod Ricard has won the auction for Vin & Sprit, beating Fortune Brands to the Absolut vodka trademark.

GLOBAL: Diageo seals Ketel One deal, drops out Absolut race

6 February 2008

Diageo and the Nolet family will form a new company owning the exclusive global rights to sell, market and distribute Ketel One vodka, in a move that confirms Diageo is out of the running in the sale of Vin & Sprit.