Campari buys Bisquit Cognac from Distell for 52.5 million euros | Progresiv
Gruppo Campari has acquired cognac producer Bisquit Dubouché et Cie from South Africa-based Distell Group in a deal worth 52.5 million euros. 
The acquired business, which owns Bisquit Cognac, includes maturing stock valued at approximately 33 million euros, as well trademarks and production facilities consisting of warehouses, blending cellars and a bottling plant.
Between 2016 and 2017 exports of cognac rose to reach their highest levels to date, both in terms of volume and value.
Campari said that Bisquit is expected to achieve pro-forma net sales of around 9 million euros in 2018. The brand’s key markets are South Africa, Belgium, global travel retail and Switzerland.
The purchase continues Campari’s efforts to focus on core spirits brands; in October it sold its Lemonsoda business to Unibrew for 80 million euros. Its net sales grew in its most recent quarterly results, thanks to a strong performance of its Aperol brand.
Campari CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz said: “We are very pleased to have acquired Bisquit Cognac, as it gives us the opportunity to expand our offering into the premium and growing cognac category. Thanks to the super premium brand Bisquit Cognac and its strong heritage, we further enhance our premium brands portfolio, driving richer product mix.
“Moreover, we acquire a significant stock of high-quality cognac and take full control of the cognac ageing process, thus enabling brand innovation opportunities in the future. From a distribution standpoint we further strengthen our route to market, particularly in our recently established South African market, with potential upsides to further develop the newly acquired business internationally, particularly in US and China, the key regions for the premium cognac category.” (www.foodbev.com)
