Pernod Ricard to Sell Strategic International Wines Portfolio to Australian Wine Holdco Limited

Cleary Gottlieb is representing Pernod Ricard in its sale of its portfolio of strategic international wines to Australian Wine Holdco Limited, a consortium of international institutional investors (which comprises funds backed by Bain Capital, Intermediate Capital Group, Capital Four, Sona Asset Management, and Samuel Terry Asset Management) and owner of Accolade Wines.

This disposal will allow Pernod Ricard to further strengthen its premiumization strategy and to direct its resources to its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business.

The transaction includes the sale of a wide portfolio of strongly established international wine brands owned and produced by Pernod Ricard Winemakers, with over 10 million 9Lcs cases annually from three origins, including Jacob’s Creek, Orlando, and St Hugo from Australia; Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate, and Church Road from New Zealand; and Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus, and Azpilicueta from Spain. The business is an integrated platform from vineyard to bottle and includes seven wineries.

The transaction was announced on July 17, 2024. Closing remains subject to fulfilment of customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances, and is expected to occur during H2 2025.