Macfarlanes corporate partner Tim Lewis took the lead for Pernod in the
Pernod also instructed Gide Loyrette Nouel in
Debevoise’s relationship with the client began with a referral by Macfarlanes on 2001’s Seagram acquisition, with both firms subsequently instructed on the Allied Domecq takeover in 2005.
Bird told Legal Week: “They are a great client for us and we have done a number of fun deals for them since being introduced in 2000. Much of their business is US-based and we have been working with them for the last two years on their vodka projects.”
The firms worked with Pernod’s legal team, led by general counsel and vice president Ian Fitzsimons.
Vin & Spirit also took advice from Dechert and McDermott Will & Emery, with Dechert corporate partner Douglas Getter advising on corporate and competition matters, while McDermott was instructed on intellectual property and regulatory issues.
Pernod will become joint leader in the wine and spirits industry after taking on Vin & Spirit for €5.3bn (£4.2bn) plus assumed debt of €346m (£272m). This is the latest in a stream of takeovers by Pernod, which owns brands including Beefeater Gin, Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagnes and Jacob’s Creek wines. In 2001 it bought part of Seagram alongside fellow drinks giant Diageo, with the Allied Domecq deal following four years later.
