Allied Domecq

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Allied Domecq PLC
IndustryDrinks
Founded1994
Defunct2005
FateAcquired
SuccessorPernod Ricard
HeadquartersBristol, United Kingdom

Allied Domecq PLC was an international company, headquartered in Bristol, United Kingdom, that operated spirits, wine, and quick service restaurant businesses. It was once a FTSE 100 Index constituent but has been acquired by Pernod Ricard.

History[edit]

Allied Domecq was the result of a 1994 merger between Allied Lyons and Pedro Domecq S.A.[1] Allied Lyons itself was the result of a 1978 merger between Allied Breweries and the food and catering group J. Lyons and Co.[1][2]

In early 2005, a takeover bid for the company was launched by French-based rival Pernod Ricard S.A. Pernod Ricard successfully completed acquisition on 26 July 2005 and sold off the overlapping spirits brands to U.S.-based competitor Fortune Brands and British-based multinational Diageo.[3] On 12 December 2005, Pernod Ricard announced that it had agreed to sell the restaurant businesses (Dunkin' Brands) to a consortium of three US private equity firms (Thomas H. Lee Partners, the Carlyle Group and Bain Capital LLP) for $2.43 billion. The closing of the sale occurred on 1 March 2006.[4]

Portfolio at time of takeover[edit]

Allied Domecq's spirits division operated a combination of nine core global brands, plus a selection of local market leaders. Their product portfolio included:

Brands acquired by Fortune Brands:

  • Sauza Tequila
  • Courvoisier cognac
  • Canadian Club whisky
  • Clos du Bois and other Sonoma and Napa wine brands
  • Laphroaig malt whisky
  • Maker's Mark bourbon
  • Teacher's Highland Cream whisky
  • Cockburn's port
  • Harvey's Bristol Cream sherry
  • Larios gin
  • DYC whisky
  • Fundador Spanish brandy
  • Centenario Spanish brandy
  • Kuemmerling German bitters

References[edit]