Campari in talks to buy Baron Rothschild Distribution

Gruppo Campari has announced it has entered negotiations to acquire its French distributor Baron Philippe de Rothschild Distribution.

The announcement was made today (Friday 15 November), in a brief communiqué which finished: “The transaction is subject to the completion of the appropriate social processes and to customary antitrust approval.”

If and when any transaction is agreed the group said it would provide more detailed comment.

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Distribution currently distributes several of the Campari group’s top brands in France including: Campari, Aperol, Cynar, Appleton Estate rum, Skyy vodka, Glen Grant Scotch, Grand Marnier and Sagatiba.

Its portfolio however is extremely diverse and includes a number of very prestigious wine and spirit brands, not least the stable of Château Mouton Rothschild but also Pol Roger, Champagne Brimoncourt, Familia Torres, Tio Pepe, Zonin, Symington Family Estates, Concha y Toro, Hardy’s, Trivento, Hibiki Japanese whisky, Canadian Club, Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Jim Beam.

Campari has been making a number of moves in recent years, divesting itself of its wine portfolio and other non-drinks assets such as Villa les Cèdres.

In return it has acquired several spirits brands such as French rhum agricole brands ‘Trois Rivières’ and ‘La Mauny’ and mezcal producer Montelobos.