News

Equistone Partners Europe has acquired a majority stake in the Dugas Company, a Paris-based liquor distributor. No financial terms were disclosed.

PRESS RELEASE

Paris, 21 December 2017 – Equistone Partners Europe (“Equistone”), one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity investors, has acquired a majority shareholding in the Dugas Company (or “the company”), a leading promoter and exclusive distributor of high-end spirits headquartered in Paris. Equistone’s investment in the Dugas Company alongside its management team, led by founder François-Xavier Dugas and the Chevrillon Group, will allow the company to maintain the momentum generated by its strong growth over the past ten years.

Renowned for its position as a key partner of major international rum brands such as Diplomatico, Angostura, Don Papa and Botran, the Dugas Company also distributes leading brands of whisky, such as Springbank, Bunnahabhain and Glengoyne, as well as gins and French spirits in the French market. With relationships with wine and spirits shops, bartenders and restauranteurs spanning more than 30 years, the Dugas Company enables connoisseurs of fine spirits to discover authentic brands of both French and foreign heritage.

Having actively contributed to the explosion of rum and premium spirit sales in France, François-Xavier Dugas and the Chevrillon Group have found in Equistone a new capital partner to support the next phase of the Dugas Company’s development in France and abroad, while remaining significant minority shareholders themselves.

François-Xavier Dugas states: “Working with all different distribution channels, the Dugas Company is today proud of its unique business model of constructing and developing international brands, as well as brands with strong potential in the French market. Since 2016, this distribution model has expanded through the establishment of export partnerships with distribution companies that share our philosophy. Furthermore, we are increasingly integrating a digital dimension to our offering in response to the growth of new methods of consumption. Equistone’s investment will provide us with the financial support and experience in scaling businesses to realise our ambitious growth plans.”