Stock Spirits Group, one of the leading spirits companies in Europe, has finalised two acquisitions. The first is the completion of the purchase of the Société Dugas, a brand builder and distribution partner for premium and super-premium spirits in France. The second is the acquisition of Clan Campbell from Pernod Ricard. Clan Campbell is one of the leading brands in the 12-year-old-Scotch-blended-whisky segment in France and is also present in other European markets such as Spain, Luxembourg and Italy. Its business has grown in recent years with the addition of Clan Caribbean, a rum-based alcohol drink.
These acquisitions represent an important step for the Stock Spirits Group as it implements its growth strategy in Europe. They enable entry into new markets in Western Europe as well as the fast-growing whisky category. Stock Spirits will further develop the Dugas portfolio with Clan Campbell whisky and selected Stock brands with the intention of strengthening Dugas’ position and reach in the retail and modern trade segment in France. Under new ownership Dugas will continue to build on its strong expertise in building premium rum and whisky brands through its continued and unique access to its network of ‘cavists’ and on-trade channels. Dugas will also retain its business model with wine merchants.
“We are delighted to have finalised these two major transactions, with the Dugas and Clan Campbell. They will be strong drivers for our expansion in Western Europe. Stock Spirits will use the Dugas distribution network for selected brands from its own portfolio,” says Stock Spirits CEO Jean-Christophe Coutures.
In addition to the acquisition of the Dugas group and Clan Campbell brand, Stock Spirits recently completed the purchase of the Polish Polmos Bielsko-Biala, an expert producer of high-quality pure and flavoured spirits. The transaction will complement Stock’s own portfolio in the vodka segment in Poland in the mainstream and premium categories. Polmos Bielsko-Biala’s premium brands will also be a significant driver of premium vodka exports across Europe and its production facility will provide the Group with additional production capacity. Stock Spirits is also in the process of finalising the purchase of Hamburg-based Borco-Marken-Import Matthiesen, a leading producer, marketer and
distributor of international spirits brands in Germany, including the iconic Sierra Tequila. The transaction is still subject to the completion of regulatory procedures in Germany and Austria.
Stock Spirits is one of the leading alcoholic beverage companies in Europe with strong, established positions in flavour and pure vodkas. With 140 years of heritage and expertise, today Stock Spirits owns a portfolio of 70 quality brands that are sold in more than 50 countries worldwide. The group employs more than 1,200 people and operates five production sites.
“Our investment in Stock Spirits assumed M&A growth into new geographies across Europe and in the new high-potential alcohol categories such as whisky. We are delighted that the business is making a strong progress in this strategic direction. Over the past months, Stock Spirits has made four strategic acquisitions expanding its geographic footprint and strengthening its portfolio. The purchase of Dugas and Clan Campbell will give Stock the space to grow in further attractive market in France, with a portfolio complemented by international brand with strong potential in the whisky segments”, says Krzysztof Krawczyk, Partner in CVC Capital Partners.
