Pernod Ricard is reportedly working with banking advisers on the idea of offloading Czech liqueur brand Becherovka.
According to Bloomberg, the French giant has hired Centerview Partners to weigh up the potential interest in Becherovka, a herbal liqueur.
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Approached by Just Drinks, Pernod said: “Pernod Ricard notes the recent market rumours regarding its potential divestment of its brands. Pernod Ricard regularly assesses and evaluates its strategic opportunities and is continuously exploring options, including divestments.”
The company acquired Becherovka in 1997. The liqueur has been made in the Czech town of Karlovy Vary for more than 200 years. It is part of Pernod’s stable of “strategic local brands”, which also includes Seagram’s gin, J.P. Wiser’s Canadian whisky and Wyborowa vodka.
Last month, The Australian Financial Review reported Pernod had asked two investment banks to conduct a “strategic review” of its wine operations in Australia and New Zealand.
That part of the business includes the wine brands Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh.
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By GlobalDataAt the time, Pernod made a similar statement in response to that report as it has to Bloomberg’s story on Becherovka.
In June, the company sold its Clan Campbell Scotch whisky brand to Poland-based distiller Stock Spirits. That deal was one of three struck by Stock Spirits in a matter of weeks. The private-equity-owned business also bought French distributor Dugas and German spirits business Borco-Marken-Import Matthiesen.
Earlier this week, Pernod announced plans to build its first Scotch whisky distillery on the isle of Islay.
Last week, Pernod invested in US-based non-alcoholic beverage retailer Boisson through its VC-style arm Convivialité Ventures.
