Henkell & Co. acquires Lithuanian distributor Filipopolis

Lithuanian importer Filipopolis has taken on the distribution for Germany’s Henkell & Co. group’s portfolio of international brands, which has purchased a majority stake in the company.

With the acquisition of a 75% stake in the Lithuanian distribution specialist Filipopolis, Henkell & Co.-Gruppe has taken the number of countries it now operates in to 22.

Filipopolis, based in Kaunas, is one of the leading importers and distributors of alcoholic drinks within Lithuania and reported earnings of €7 million last year, according to Henkell.

It’s acquisition also closes a distribution gap for the company in the Baltic, having purchased Budampex in Estonia (2008) and the founding of Henkell & Co. Baltic in Latvia (2011).

While Filipopolis had already distributed Henkell & Co.-Gruppe’s Törley brand in the past, the company will extend its portfolio to include further international brands to capitalise on the growing sparkling wine category, focusing on its Prosecco brand Mionetto and its Sekt brand, Henkell.

“Lithuania is the sparkling-wine market with the highest levels of consumption in the Baltic,” said Dr. Andreas Brokemper, spokesman for the Henkell & Co.-Gruppe management.

“We are optimistic that we can also establish our international core brands in Lithuania and through the now complete pan-Baltic representation of our company, become even more attractive for our customers.”