William Pitters, the spirits group founded by Bordeaux entrepreneur Bernard Magrez, has been sold to French drinks group Marie Brizard it emerged today.
The acquisition of Wiliam Pitters International by Marie Brizard, also based in Bordeaux, was concluded yesterday. Although the deal has yet to be confirmed by the ministry of the economy, as is the case with most large-scale takeovers, it is likely to go through.
Pitters owns a string of companies including the William Peel gin and whisky brands and San José tequila. The acquisition will increase Marie Brizard’s already spirits-dominant portfolio which also includes wines and non-alcoholic drinks.
The ex-owner of William Pitters, Bernard Magrez, is to concentrate on his wine holdings. The Bernard Magrez Company owns a number of wines including the Graves Cru Classé Château Pape-Clément, and two other Grand Cru châteaux – Fombrauge and La Tour Carnet, in Saint-Emilion and the Médoc respectively.
William Pitters had originally owned two wine brands, Malesan and Sidi Brahim, although these were sold off in 2003 to Bordeaux négociant Castel.
Written by Oliver Styles
