Campari Group acquires its French distributor for 60million Euros

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Milan, December 20th, 2019 – Further to the communication of November 15th, 2019, concerning the exclusive negotiations with Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A. (the ‘Seller’) for the acquisition of 100% of the French distributor Baron Philippe de Rothschild France Distribution S.A.S. (‘RFD’), Campari Group announces today the signing of the deal.

RFD, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., is specialized in the distribution of a diversified portfolio of international premium spirit, wine and champagne brands in France. Particularly, RFD has been the exclusive distributor of Campari Group’s brand portfolio, including Aperol, Campari, Glen Grant, Riccadonna and Grand Marnier, for the French market since 2009.

Over the years, RFD has succeùssfully developed Campari Group’s brands in France. Thanks to the very positive performance achieved particularly by Aperol and Riccadonna, today Campari Group’s business is the largest contributor to RFD sales value and growth. With regards to the rest of portfolio, RFD is also the exclusive distributor of the Seller’s premium and super-premium portfolio of prestigious and renowned local and international wine varieties in the French market, such as Mouton Rothschild and Mouton Cadet brands.

The Enterprise Value of the deal is €60.0 million, subject to customary price adjustments. In 2018 RFD achieved reported sales of €145.1 million (under local GAAP), which includes the net sales of Campari Group-owned brands.

The deal is expected to close during the first quarter of 2020, subject to customary antitrust approval. The consideration will be financed through available resources and will be paid using cash.

Bob Kunze-Concewitz, Chief Executive Officer:‘This contemplated acquisition is a key step forward into Campari Group’s long-term growth strategy aimed at continuously strengthening our route-to-market globally. France is a core and high potential market for Campari Group, mainly thanks to our aperitifs business and the newly acquired Rhum Agricole premium brands Trois Rivières and La Mauny. This deal offers us a unique opportunity to insource RFD’s strong distribution capabilities and therefore operate directly in this market, benefitting from the significantly increased critical mass as well as an enhanced focus on our core brand portfolio.’.