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Maison Villevert acquires majority stake in Cognac Grosperrin

20 December 2021 By Sarah Neish

French spirits distributor Maison Villevert has taken a majority stake in Cognac Grosperrin, which specialises in rare, small batch releases.

Maison Villevert, which owns the likes of G’Vine gin and Excellia Tequila, has purchased a majority stake in Cognac maker Grosperrin to strengthen its position in ultra-premium spirits.

The move follows Maison Villevert’s acquisition of France’s Celtic Whiskey Distillery in June 2020, and is thought to be an effort to balance the ‘white and brown’ spirits on Villevert’s books.

Both Grosperrin and Maison Villevert will maintain their existing routes to market with Villevert exploring new opportunities via its international distribution network. Official terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Villvert is no stranger to the world of Cognac, already featuring several La Guilde du Cognac products among its portfolio.

“Maison Villevert shares the same unique history and passion for Cognac’s regional heritage and our partnership initiates a real drive to grow our brown spirit repertoire by progressing further into the world of ultra-premium Cognacs,” said Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, founder and director of Maison Villevert.

Robicquet added: “I admire and respect the high standards of Guilhem Grosperrin and the work accomplished by his family over the past 30 years and Guilhem Grosperrin will remain at the helm of the eponymous company.”

Founded by Jean Grosperrin in 1992, the brand claims to be the only remaining Cognac house based in Saintes, which sits between the terroirs of Fins Bois and Borderies. Since 2004, the Cognac firm has been managed by Grosperrin’s son, Guilhem.

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