Pernod Ricard purchases Le Maine Cognac

Pernod Ricard has announced today that its subsidiary Martell & Co has agreed to purchase 100% of the shares in Cognac producer Le Maine au Bois SAS.

The eaux-de-vies produced by Le Maine will be used to develop Pernod Ricard’s Martell Cognac range

The purchase reflects the company’s ambitions for long term development of its Martell range as world leader of the XO Cognac category.

Located in Saint Eugene, the ‘Petite Champagne’ area at the centre of the AOC Cognac region, Le Maine is recognised for its activities as a trader-winemaker, distiller and wholesaler.

Founded in 1975, the group has a inventory of high-quality eaux-de-vie of all ages as well as state-of-the-art industrial facilities, including the Le Maine au Bois distillery.

The acquisition of La Maine au Bois should be completed before 30 June 2013.

In its 2011/12 full-year sales announcement in August 2012, Pernod Ricard reported a sales increase of 25% for the Martell brand for the period, helping the group achieve its highest sales growth since the recession began in 2008.