2 March 2009 - Gide Loyrette Nouel Paris, legal counsel to Pernod Ricard on the sale of cognac brand Bisquit to the Distell Group:

Pernod Ricard announces that it has signed an agreement to sell its cognac brand Bisquit and associated inventories to the Distell Group for 31 million euros. The transaction also includes a distribution agreement covering France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Current distribution arrangements in the other countries will remain in place for a transition period.

This disposal is part of the non-strategic assets disposal plan communicated after the Vin & Sprit acquisition.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the South African regulatory authorities.

The Distell Group is South Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits and ready-to-drinks (RTDs). The Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Distell employs over 4,200 people and has an annual sales of over 700 million euros.

Legal counsel to Pernod Ricard:
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. (Nadège Nguyen, partner, Edgard Nguyen and Saya Reshef, intellectual property issues were handled by Emmanuel Larere, partner, and Jean-Hyacinthe de Mitry).