Pernod Ricard acquires Jan Becher

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Pernod Ricard has bought 59% of bitters supplier Jan Becher from the Czech government for Eur40m, giving Pernod a 95.7% shareholding in the group. It bought the initial stake in 1997.

The move makes Pernod the world's leading bitters producer, with over 3m cases worldwide. As well as Jan Becher's Becherovka, its portfolio also includes Ramazotti, Suze and several local brands.

"Jan Becher becomes one of the key contributors to our growth in central and eastern Europe, due both to the importance of the Czech market for our local and international brands, and to Becherovka's export potential," said Pernod Ricard chairman and ceo Patrick Ricard.