Henkell Freixenet’s UK subsidiary, Freixenet Copestick, has sold Jascots Wine Merchants to Compagnia del Gusto Holding (CDGH), for an undisclosed sum.
The sparkling-wine giant told Global Drinks Intel the deal “reflects our strategic focus on our core business”, adding that Freixenet Copestick would “continue to work closely” with CDGH. In a press release today (3 July), Henkell Freixenet said the pair had also signed a “strategic partnership” alongside the sale, meaning “for now” CDGH will continue to use the Freixenet Copestick distribution network and customers will continue to trade with ‘Jascots’.
Asked about potential redundancies, the Henkell Freixenet spokesperson said: “Staff whose roles are dedicated to the Jascots business will transition to the new company, with a clear focus on ensuring continuity and supporting them responsibly throughout the process.”
The deal for London-headquartered Jascots, which was acquired by Freixenet Copestick in 2020, marks the first UK move for CDGH, a family-owned holding company that has interests in seafood, agri-food and wine. In addition to continuing distribution of Jascots’ partner wine brands – which include Bolney Wine Estate, Champagne Alfred Gratien and Schloss Johannisberg – CDGH said it plans to “leverage [Jascots’] network” to push its Italian wine-and-food portfolio in the market.
“We are proud of what has been achieved with Jascots Wine Merchants since we acquired it in 2020. This partnership with Compagnia del Gusto Holding will ensure business continuity and new development opportunities for the team and our customers,” said Freixenet Copestick MD & Henkell Freixenet CSO, Damian Clarke.
“We are confident that Compagnia del Gusto vision and capabilities will further strengthen Jascots position in the UK on-trade.”
“This marks an exciting new chapter for Jascots, and we firmly believe CDGH will provide the focus, investment and strategic attention needed for the business to thrive and achieve its long‑term goals,” Jascots said in an email to customers seen by Global Drinks Intel. “[CDGH’s] wine division is pursuing a long-term strategy to acquire premium Italian wine producers and expand internationally, with the UK identified as a key growth market through targeted acquisitions and distribution partnerships.”
In June, it emerged that Maison Pommery & Associés had commenced formal talks with 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 expected to run for two months.
