Ashurst advises Pernod Ricard on sale of its international strategic wine brands to Australian Wine Holdco

Global law firm Ashurst has advised Pernod Ricard on the sale of its international strategic wine brands to Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), a consortium of international institutional investors and owner of Accolade Wines. The transaction includes the sale of a wide portfolio of international wine brands owned and produced by Pernod Ricard Winemakers, including those in Australia, New Zealand and Spain. Completion is conditional upon certain regulatory approvals.

Pernod Ricard is a global wine and spirits group managing a portfolio of internationally recognised brands and iconic Australian wines Jacob's Creek, St Hugo and George Wyndham through Pernod Ricard Winemakers as well as New Zealand and Spanish brands Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh, Church Road, Campo Biejo and Tarsus. The group represents 240 premium brands available in more than 160 countries.

AWL is 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.

Partner Anton Harris said:

"We are delighted to have worked with Pernod Ricard on its sale to Australian Wine HoldCo and the merger with Accolade Wines, a deal that showcases our firm's adept handling of complex, multi-jurisdictional deals. We look forward to continuing to work with Pernod Ricard to complete this transaction."

Partner Anita Choi added:

"The strategic agreement to sell Pernod Ricard's wine brands to Australian Wine Holdco and merge with Accolade Wines marks a pivotal moment in the wine industry's landscape. By selling its wine business, Pernod Ricard is doubling its commitment to premiumisation, channelling its resources into the continued growth and development of its distinguished spirits and champagne portfolio."

The Ashurst team was led by partners Anita Choi and Anton Harris, who were assisted by: partners Rehana Box, Con Tzerefos and Miriam Kleiner, consultants Mark Stanbridge and Greg Golding, counsel Jared Lynch, and senior associates Alexandra Nash, Jemimah Giblett, Miao Qun Unsworth-Tang, Jonathan Down, David Donaldson and Briana Ireland (Corporate Transactions); partners Rebecca Dixon, counsel Rachel Daniel, and senior associate Jacinta Pitos (Projects & Energy Transition); partners Jennie Mansfield and Jane Harvey and senior associate Mohamad Ardati (Employment); partners Emma de Carle, Nichola Shaw and Jock O'Shea and senior associate Yvette Zaayman (Global Loans); partner Alyssa Phillips and senior associate Dylan McIntyre (Competition), partner Andrew Craig and senior associate Jarred Gerson (Digital Economy Transactions), partners Sanjay Wavde, Costa Koutsis and Elke Bremner, counsel Paul Glover, and senior associate Anthony Hui (Tax); partners Angela Pearsall and Anita Cade, consultant David Sefton, and senior associate Will Scott (Dispute Resolution); partners Vicki Aron and John Stawyskyj and senior associate Danica Colli (Real Estate); senior manager Krystal Jackson, manager Jennifer Priestley, specialist Helen Campbell and senior analyst Aleena Alex (Ashurst Advance, eDiscovery); partner Michael Sheng and counsel Derek Wang (Corporate Transactions, Shanghai); partner Jorge Vázquez, counsel Tannia Rodríguez, and senior associate Camilo Luna (Corporate Transactions, Madrid); senior associate Manuela Sanz (Global Loans, Madrid); partner Rafael Baena (Competition, Madrid); associates Sara Izquierdo and Felix Tirado (Real Estate, Madrid); senior associate Soledad Adell (Dispute Resolution, Madrid); and counsel Cristina Grande (Employment, Madrid).