Sazerac bids to acquire German spirit maker Berentzen, targeting European expansion
Sazerac has submitted an offer to purchase Berentzen, hoping to use the German producer’s facilities to broaden its reach across Europe.
Sazerac announced a bid to acquire the Lower Saxony-based spirits producer Beretzen, offering €5.55 per share, roughly two-thirds above the pre-offer price. Berentzen, which has seen falling demand for its alcoholic drinks and now derives most of its revenue from water, juice and soft drinks, aims to return to profitability by 2025 with a €2.4 million profit target. The German board, led by Oliver Schwegmann and Ralf Brühöfner, supports the transaction, viewing it as a chance to create a leading European spirits platform with greater flexibility and speed.
Sazerac, which owns more than 500 brands and generated $6 billion in revenue last year, says the partnership will boost innovation, distribution and international growth. The acquisition will only proceed if Sazerac secures a controlling stake, after which Berentzen would be delisted from the stock market. Recent Sazerac moves include buying the UK vodka brand Au Vodka for over £300 million.
Why it matters
The deal could reshape competition in Europe's spirits market and affect many brands and consumers.
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