French drinks group Pernod Ricard, which owns Irish Distillers, has lifted its stake in the Polish unit group Agros to 77 per cent from 37 per cent, after a successful takeover bid. Pernod Ricard will also hold 90 per cent of the voting rights in Agros, up from 74 per cent, following the public offer launched on May 2nd.
Agros, which has foreign distribution rights for Wyborowa and Zubrowka vodkas, has annual sales of around one billion zlotys (#290 million). Pernod Ricard said it would make Wyborowa a leading brand, along with other spirits such as Ricard and Pernod, the whiskey brands Aberlour, Jameson and Wild Turkey, and Havana Club rum.
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