Maison Pommery & Associés – the new name for Vranken-Pommery Monopole – has commenced formal talks with sparkling wine giant Henkell Freixenet that could result in a majority stake sale.
The “exclusive negotiations” between the champagne group and Henkell Freixenet’s Henkell International division were confirmed yesterday (2 June). Expected to run for two months, the talks will focus on a “proposed strategic combination that would include Henkell International becoming a majority shareholder in Maison Pommery & Associés”.
The champagne company, which is publicly listed on Euronext Paris and Brussels, has set up a committee consisting of independent directors to monitor the discussions, with a further announcement on the outcome promised “in due course”.
“This proposed partnership between two family-owned groups would create a global player in sparkling wine, benefiting from a portfolio of strong and complementary brands, as well as an international commercial presence,” said Maison Pommery in its filing. “At this stage, the discussions remain subject to due diligence work, the parties’ agreement on the execution of contractual agreements and, where applicable, the obtaining of required authorisations and consultations.
“There is no guarantee at this stage that the ongoing negotiations will result in a transaction.
Maison Pommery consists of four champagne producers – Charles Lafitte, Pommery, Pompadour and Vranken – as well as assets in two other French wine regions and in Portugal’s Douro Valley. As for Henkell Freixenet, the portfolio is dominated by the Henkell German sparkling wine and Freixenet cava brands, although the Germany-headquartered business, which acquired Freixenet in 2018, already has a presence in champagne in the form of Epernay-based Champagne Alfred Gratien.
Having booked a 10.5% slide in full-year sales in 2024, Maison Pommery, which changed its name from Vranken-Pommery Monopole at the start of January and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, saw its 12-month sales last year decline by 3.6%.
