Pernod Ricard Nigeria enters distribution agreement with CFAO covering Pernod's Martell, Absolut, Chivas Regal brands

Nevin Barich

PARIS and LAGOS, Nigeria , May 23, 2013 (press release) – Pernod Ricard Nigeria, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa established in 2010 entered into a distribution agreement covering Nigeria at the beginning of April 2013 with the company CFAO, via its subsidiary GI&D based in Nigeria. This contract covers the Group's entire portfolio, and particularly the Martell, ABSOLUT and Chivas Regal brands. Duty Free customers and international supermarket chains are excluded from the terms of this agreement, as these are directly managed by Pernod Ricard Nigeria, which is in charge of importing and the local marketing development for all brands in the Pernod Ricard portfolio.

Dariusz Opieriowiec, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, stated:"As is the case for all Group subsidiaries in Africa, Pernod Ricard Nigeria aspires to establish healthy, sustainable positions with our new partner, in strict compliance with local laws and regulations. This distribution contract testifies to our long-term commitment to one of the most promising markets on the continent."

Based in South Africa, where the Group has been firmly established since 1993, the goal of Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa is to develop the entire premium portfolio of the world's co-leader in wines and spirits on the African continent. Driven by the middle class boom in the region, during the first half of the year Pernod Ricard reported 12% growth in the area, where the Group intends to roll out its growth model based on a portfolio of international brands, wholly-owned subsidiaries and a premiumisation strategy.

In 2012, Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa incorporated no less than five subsidiaries in the key African markets of Ghana, Angola, Kenya, Namibia and Nigeria since January 2013. Laurent Pillet, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa, concluded: "In less than one year, we have managed to open direct subsidiaries in the region's main markets, which is a condition precedent to laying the foundations for strong and sustainable growth with our local partners."

About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the world's co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of € 8,215 million in 2011/12. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine's, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob's Creek, Brancott Estate (formerly Montana), Campo Viejo and Graffigna wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of nearly 18 800 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 "Brand Companies" and 75 "Market Companies" established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard's strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

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