CHILE: Pisco Capel eyes Pernod as partner - report

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 14 October 2005

Pisco Capel is considering a partnership with Pernod Ricard to help it develop its international sales, it was reported yesterday (13 October).

Chile's leading producer of pisco, the Chilean national drink, said it was considering potential partnerships with Pernod Ricard de Chile and two local companies, according to a report by Reuters.

The two local groups are Vina Santa Rita and Compania Pisquera de Chile, owned by Chile's biggest brewing company Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA (CCU).

In a statement Pisco Capel said: "Once the offers have been received, the board will analyse them and if found apt the (winning) bid will be presented to Capel members as an alternative for a partner."

The pisco producer added that if a partnership could not be agreed on, it could expand internationally on its own.

In late September, local reports suggested that Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA (CCU) was looking to make a bid for Capel.

CCU already owns a 43% stake in the market having acquired Pisco Control earlier in the year.

Capel has a 55.9% market share.

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Pernod