13 Jul 2012 --- Pernod Ricard has announced the signing of an agreement with Arcus-Gruppen for the sale of the Danish aquavit brands Aalborg and Brøndums, the German brand Malteserkreuz Aquavit and the Danish bitter brand Gammel Dansk.
 
The transaction also includes the sale of the Aalborg production plant in Denmark.
 
The disposal is in line with the Group’s strategy to focus on its priority brands.
 
The closing of the transaction is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of the financial year 2012/13.
 
Pernod Ricard was advised in this transaction by BNP Paribas, Horten and Gide Loyrette Nouel.

Arcus-Gruppen AS is a leading player in the production, sale and distribution of wine and spirits in the Nordic region. The company is present in all Nordic countries. The principal owner is the Swedish investment company Ratos AB. Arcus-Gruppen AS conducts operations in three business areas: Spirits, Wine and Distribution. Over and above the parent company – Arcus-Gruppen AS – the main companies in Arcus-Gruppen are the subsidiaries Arcus AS, Arcus Wine Brands AS, Symposium Wines AS, Excellars AS, Vinordia AS, Vectura AS and Vingruppen i Norden AB. The Arcus-Gruppen headquarters are located in Gjelleråsen, Norway, where the company has new offices and production facilities. Arcus-Gruppen employs 470 people and generates an annual turnover of approximately NOK 2 billion.