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A Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger makes sense, but prepare for a synergistic bloodbath – Comment

Olly Wehring
Last updated: 15/04/2026 at 2:25 PM
By Olly Wehring
27 March 2026
8 Min Read

Let’s be under no illusions here – the ‘synergies’ they reference are employee numbers, first and foremost.


Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard logos
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What's the saying? 'If you can't see it, then it's not there, but if you can see it, then it's too late.' Something like this crossed my mind yesterday, when word dropped that Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard were in discussions about potentially merging. 'If you've heard that they're talking,' I mused, 'then they've already decided.'My view of this was affirmed overnight, when the two brand owners issued separate statements saying virtually the same thing: "If agreed," the pair said, "this partnership would be akin to a merger of equals, drawing from the talent and expertise of both companies,

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  • AB InBev
  • Bacardi
  • Campari Group
  • Diageo
  • Moët Hennessy
  • Pernod Ricard
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Suntory Global Spirits
  • William Grant & Sons

TAGGED:Brown-FormanPernod Ricard
Olly Wehring
ByOlly Wehring
Olly has been reporting on the beverage industry as a B2B journalist since 2003. He spent 18 years at Just Drinks, 16 of which as managing editor. Since joining Global Drinks Intel in 2022, he's interviewed the CEOs for brand owners including AB InBev, Campari Group, Carlsberg, Heineken and Suntory Global Spirits and has a bulging contacts book from across beverage alcohol worldwide.
Previous Article Brown-Forman Pernod Ricard logos Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard confirm talks on ‘merger of equals’
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