US/SWEDEN: Pernod to integrate Malibu-Kahlúa International into Absolut

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 6 April 2009

Pernod Ricard has confirmed that it will "consolidate" its Malibu-Kahlúa International subsidiary into The Alsolut Company.

The French firm, which inherited Malibu, Kahlúa and Tia Maria when it acquired Allied Domecq in 2005, said today (6 April) that the three brands - which make up Malibu-Kahlúa International (MKI) - will come under Absolut Company's control later this year.

"Recognising the need to significantly increase the level of support behind these dynamic brands and to maximise efficiency, Pernod Ricard has decided to leverage the resources of The Absolut Company, ... which offers many synergies," Pernod said.

The three brands will be "consolidated" within The Absolut Company and will be managed out of Stockholm to coincide with the start of the group's next fiscal year, on 1 July.

When MKI was created, in 2006, the unit was housed at the former Allied Domecq office complex in Westport, Connecticut, and employed around 70 people.

No-one was immediately available at Pernod when contacted by just-drinks today, to detail further any job losses or costs involved in the switch.

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Pernod, Absolut, Ricard, Allied Domecq