Campari goes after French rhums

The Campari Group has entered into negotiations with Compagnie Financière Chevrillon with a view to acquire Rhumantilles, a producer of several “iconic” rhum agricole brands.

Rhumantilles is the owner of Martinique-based Bellonnie & Bourdillon Successeurs, which produces Trois Rivières and Maison La Mauny.

The projected sale includes brands, land holdings, distilleries, visitor centres and inventories.

Last year net sales of Bellonnie & Bourdillon Successeurs was a reported €24.1 million.

Campari said in a statement that: “With this contemplated acquisition Campari Group will have an opportunity to add prestigious Rhum agricole brands to its offering and enhance its exposure to rum, a premiumising categorycurrently at the heart of the mixology trend and growing cocktail culture.

“Moreover, France is poised to become one of the Group’s strategic markets and with this acquisition Campari Group has the opportunity to add significant critical mass in this market.

Upon the hopefully positive conclusion of the negotiations, Campari Group will communicate thereupon and provide the key financial terms of the transaction.”