International Beverage enters agreement to acquire Larsen Cognac

International Beverage has entered into an agreement with Anora Group to acquire its Larsen Cognac business.

The proposal includes Larsen’s production site and eau-de-vie maturation stock in Cognac, France, as well as its Cognac brands Larsen, Renault and Monopol along with brandy brand Ibis.

The deal forms part of International Beverage’s strategy to expand its portfolio of premium spirits brands and strengthen its international routes to market.

The agreement also marks the company’s first moves into the Cognac market, which the IWSR is predicting to increase global sales 7% in value by 2026.

Anora, which has owned Larsen Cognac since 2013, will continue as the exclusive distributor for the Larsen, Renault and Ibis brands including travel retail.

The agreed value is €54.1 million, expected to close in September.

International Beverage (UK), managing director Malcolm Leask said: "We are delighted to welcome Larsen Cognac and their team to International Beverage, along with the Renault, Monopol and Ibis brands. Cognac is one of the most dynamic categories in spirits today, and we are extremely proud to have such an admired brand and skilled production team joining our business. The Larsen team’s dedication to excellence aligns perfectly with our ethos, and the quality of their portfolio is a perfect complement to our existing whisky, gin, and rum brands. This acquisition also marks the start of a new era for International Beverage, and a strategy that will see us add high quality brands across a range of categories and markets to take our business to the next level."

7 September 2023 - Bradley Weir