Pernod Ricard Eyeing Expansion

Spirits marketer looking to buy new brands.

Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-biggest marketer of wine and spirits, wants to acquire tequila and vodka brands and strengthen its presence in the United States, it said on Tuesday.

Pernod, which surged to its position more than a year ago by (along with Fortune Brands) carving up Allied Domecq brands, wants to secure the rights to Stolichnaya, which it now markets, according to this report in Reuters.

Also in its sights: Absolut vodka, which is marketed by Sweden’s Vin & Spirit. The new conservative Swedish government has said it wants to sell off state owned companies, spurring speculation that V&S might go on the block.

Anheuser-Busch, which hasn’t been shy about its interest in spirits, has been cited as a potential bidder for V&S.

Tequila brands also are on Pernod’s shopping list. Pernod was reportedly in the hunt for Mexico’s Herradura, but Brown-Forman (maker of Jack Daniel’s) scooped up the tequila company.

The Reuters story quotes Pernod managing director Pierre Pringuet:

“There are very good reasons for further consolidation in the spirits business, because it is very profitable and has good synergies, but as most companies are private, timing is unpredictable…”

Pernod’s brand lineup includes Kahlua, Chivas Regal and Beefeater gin.