Regulatory News:
Press release – Paris, July 27, 2009
Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) announces the disposal of Tia Maria™ coffee
liqueur to Illva Saronno for a cash consideration of € 125 million on a
cash free / debt free basis. The transaction signed and the cash
consideration was paid simultaneously on July 27, 2009.
The sale of Tia Maria together with other disposals completed since the
acquisition of Vin & Sprit in July 2008 enables Pernod Ricard to
continue its debt reduction program having achieved disposals totalling
in excess of € 700 million.
As part of the transaction:
-
Chivas Brothers Limited has been appointed to produce Tia Maria for
Illva Saronno,
-
arrangements have been made for short term transitional distribution
services to be provided by Pernod Ricard affiliates
-
some longer term distribution agreements will be entered into in
certain markets
-
Pernod Ricard Argentina has been appointed to produce and distribute
the brand in Argentina.
Pernod Ricard was advised in this transaction by Deutsche Bank,
Rabobank, and by Macfarlanes solicitors.
I.L.L.V.A. Saronno Holding S.p.A. (“ILLVA”), wholly owned by the Reina
family, is one of the European leaders on the spirits and wine markets.
In particular, the Group manufactures and markets in more than 150
countries the world’s best selling Italian liqueur: Disaronno Originale
( http://www.disaronno.com/
). Other brands marketed by the group include Rabarbaro Zucca, Amaro
18, Artic Vodka (in the spirits sector) and Vini Corvo, Cantine Florio,
Duca di Salaparuta (in the wine sector).
Shareholders’ agenda: 2008/2009
full year results – Thursday September 3, 2009
About Pernod Ricard
Created by the merger of Pernod and Ricard in 1975, the Group has
undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and
acquisitions. The purchase of part of Seagram (2001), the acquisitions
of Allied Domecq (2005) and of Vin & Sprit (2008) have made the Group
the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with sales of € 6,589 million
in 2007/08. Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand
portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Premium Vodka, Ricard pastis,
Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson
Irish Whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa
and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s
Creek and Montana wines. Pernod Ricard favours a decentralised
organisation, with 6 “Brand Owners” and 70 “Distribution Companies”
established in each key market, and employs a workforce of more than
19,300 people. The Group is strongly committed to a sustainable
development policy and encourages responsible consumption of its
products. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker:
RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.
Pernod Ricard
Francisco de la VEGA / Communication VP
Tel:
+33 (0)1 41 00 40 96
or
Denis FIEVET / Financial Communication
– Investor Relations VP
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 41 71
or
Florence
TARON / Press Relations Manager
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 88