Sazerac Snags Beverage Brands from Diageo for $550 Million

San Francisco – January 14, 2019 – Cooley advised Sazerac on its purchase of 19 alcoholic beverage brands, including Seagram’s VO, from Diageo for $550 million. Partners Ben Beerle and Jason Kent led the Cooley team advising Sazerac on the acquisition, which was completed in late December.

“We are delighted to acquire these iconic brands from Diageo and are looking forward to working closely with our wholesalers and customers to provide the focus to maximize the full global potential of the brands,” said Jake Wenz, Sazerac’s chief operating officer, in a statement.

Sazerac additionally purchased the Seagram’s 83, Seagram’s Five Star, Myers’s, Romana Sambuca, Yukon Jack, Booth’s, Goldschlager, Popov, Relska, The Club, Black Haus, Peligroso, Grind, Piehole, Parrot Bay, Stirrings, Scoresby and John Begg brands as part of the transaction.

Also as part of the transaction, Diageo agreed to enter into long-term supply contracts with Sazerac for five of the brands, each for a period of 10 years. Supply of all other brands will transition to Sazerac within a one-year period from completion of the transaction.

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family-owned, privately held distillers and the owner of Buffalo Trace Distillery and Glenmore Distillery, among others.

About Cooley LLP

Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation, where innovation meets the law.

Cooley has 1,000+ lawyers across 13 offices in the United States, China and Europe.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only, and your access or use of the content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you or your organization and Cooley LLP, Cooley (UK) LLP, or any other affiliated practice or entity (collectively referred to as “Cooley”). By accessing this content, you agree that the information provided does not constitute legal or other professional advice. This content is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction and you should not act or refrain from acting based on this content. This content may be changed without notice. It is not guaranteed to be complete, correct or up to date, and it may not reflect the most current legal developments. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Do not send any confidential information to Cooley, as we do not have any duty to keep any information you provide to us confidential. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising and is subject to our legal notices.