Bacardi acquires Tequila Patrón for US$ 5.1 billion

23 January, 2018

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Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, announced today that it is expanding its portfolio of premium spirits with a definitive agreement to acquire 100% ownership of Patrón Spirits International AG and its Patrón brand, the world’s top-selling ultra-premium tequila.

The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, follows the relationship the companies have had for nearly a decade since Bacardi’s initial acquisition of a significant minority stake in Patrón in 2008. The transaction reflects an enterprise value for Patrón of US$ 5.1 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2018. Bacardi’s purchase price includes the assumption of Patrón's debt, which is not publicly disclosed.

This transaction will make Bacardi the number one spirits player in the super-premium segment in the U.S. and the second largest spirits company in market share by value in the critically important United States market.

Patrón was founded by entrepreneurs John Paul DeJoria and Martin Crowley, along with tequila industry veteran Francisco Alcaraz. Patrón tequila is produced from the highest-quality 100% Weber Blue Agave, distilled with meticulous precision and delivered in iconic bottles.

Tequila is one of the fastest-growing and most attractive categories in the spirits industry, with Patrón being the clear market leader in the super-premium segment. Super-premium brands continue to experience the fastest growth, and the trend is expected to continue.

“We started this business more than a quarter century ago with a singular mission – to create an ultra-premium, luxury tequila,” said John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Patrón tequila in a statement. “Today, with that continued commitment to quality and several other extraordinary brands in our portfolio, we produce more than three million cases of distilled spirits annually that are enjoyed around the world. I am proud of what our entire organization has accomplished, and the work we do in giving back to the people and communities in which we operate.”

The Patrón leadership team, including Chief Executive Officer Edward Brown, Chief Operating Officer David R. Wilson, and Chief Marketing Officer Lee Applbaum, will continue in their roles.

DeJoria will serve as an ambassador for Patrón in the role of Chairman Emeritus and intends to work with Bacardi in further advancing their combined dedication to philanthropic projects and environmental consciousness.

Patrón’s efforts have included support for food banks, education, and disaster relief, as well as development of an eco-friendly reverse osmosis irrigation system, a process of recycling agave fibers from the tequila production process for use as fertilizer compost, and reforestation of trees in the community surrounding its tequila manufacturing operations in Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco, Mexico.

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