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Campari acquires French distributor for €60 million
Italian drinks firm Campari Group has completed its acquisition of Baron Philippe de Rothschild France Distribution (RFD) for €60 million (US$66m).
Bob Kunze-Concewitz, chief executive officer, Campari Group
Following the acquisition, the French distributor will be renamed Campari France Distribution.
After initial talks for the sale began in November, a deal for the acquisition was signed in December 2020.
When the acquisition was agreed, Campari Group CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz said it would be a “key step forward into Campari Group’s long-term growth strategy”.
He said: “France is a core and high potential market for Campari Group, mainly thanks to our aperitifs business and the newly acquired rhum agricole premium brands Trois Rivières and La Mauny.
“This deal offers us a unique opportunity to insource RFD’s strong distribution capabilities and therefore operate directly in this market, benefitting from significantly increased critical mass as well as enhanced focus on our core brand portfolio.”
In 2018, RFD achieved reported sales of €145.1m (US$161m), which included the net sales of Campari Group-owned brands.
The French distributor was the exclusive partner for Campari Group’s portfolio in France. The company had distributed brands including Aperol, Campari, Glen Grant, Riccadonna and Grand Marnier in the market since 2009.
The acquisition follows Campari Group’s purchase of a controlling stake in Montelobos mezcal and Ancho Reyes liqueur.