12-03-2021News

High-proof: Heuking advises Alexander Stein on majority stake in Société des Produits d’Armagnac

Benedikt Raisch, Salaried Partner at Heuking’s Stuttgart office, legally advised entrepreneur Alexander Stein on the acquisition of 51% of the shares in Société des Produits d’Armagnac (SPA) from Pernod Ricard. The shares were acquired through investment company Cloudsweeper GmbH.

Created in the 1930s and based in Eauze – considered the capital of Armagnac – in the Southwest of France, SPA owns Armagnac brands Marquis de Montesquiou and Comte de Lauvia. SPA has an established position within major Armagnac markets such as France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and the United States, and has an exceptional inventory of aged eaux-de-vie.

The acquisition is intended to contribute to the growth of the Marquis de Montesquiou and Comte de Lauvia brands in France and abroad. Pernod Ricard will support Alexander Stein in the new development strategy for the two brands.

Alexander Stein is a recognized innovator in the spirit industry. He has built a long-standing and strong relationship with Pernod Ricard through the ultra-premium gin brand Monkey 47, which was fully acquired by Pernod Ricard in 2020. Both partners recently launched the bourbon infused with habanero Horse with No Name. On that project, Alexander Stein had also been legally advised by the Heuking team led by Benedikt Raisch.