The EU Competition Authority has now given its approval for Ratos's
subsidiary Arcus to acquire the three brands Star Gin, Red Port and
Dry Anis from Pernod Ricard. The European Commission did not approve
the acquisition of the brand Grönstedts Cognac.
In December 2008 the Norwegian company Arcus Gruppen concluded an
agreement with Pernod Ricard to acquire the brands Grönstedts Cognac,
Star Gin, Red Port and Dry Anis. The deal was subject to approval
from the relevant competition authorities.
The European Commission's competition authority has now approved
acquisition of three of the brands but decided to not approve the
acquisition of Grönstedts Cognac. The motivation is that Arcus as
owner of both Grönstedts Cognac and Braastad Cognac would acquire too
high a market share in Sweden.
Arcus Gruppen is Norway's leading wine and spirits supplier. The
company was formed in 1996 on the initiative of the Norwegian
government and privatised in 2001. The group's best-known brands
include Linie Aquavit, Braastad Cognac, Vikingfjord Vodka, Hammer Gin
and Upper Ten Whisky. Sales in 2008 totalled SEK 1,532m and operating
profit (EBITA) reached SEK 168m.
Ratos's holding in Arcus Gruppen amounts to 83%.
For further information, please contact:
Arne Karlsson, CEO Ratos, +46 8 700 17 00
Jan Tore Føsund, CEO Arcus Gruppen +47 22 97 55 00
Clara Bolinder-Lundberg, Head of Corporate Communications Ratos, +46
8 700 17 63
Financial calendar from Ratos:
Annual General Meeting 2009 2 April 2009
Interim Report January - March 2009 7 May 2009
Interim Report January - June 2009 20 August 2009
Interim Report January - September 2009 5 November 2009
Ratos is a listed private equity company. The business concept is to
maximise shareholder value over time by investing in, developing and
divesting primarily unlisted companies. Ratos offers investors a
unique investment opportunity. Ratos's equity is approximately SEK 16
billion and has a market capitalisation of approximately SEK 20
billion. Ratos's holdings include AH Industries, Anticimex, Arcus
Gruppen, Bisnode, Camfil, Contex, DIAB, EuroMaint, GS-Hydro, Haglöfs,
HL Display, Inwido, Jøtul, Lindab, MCC, Medisize, Scandinavian
Business Seating, Superfos and Other holdings.
