The trend of consumer products brand acquisitions that we identified in Looking Ahead: Retail Antitrust Enforcement in 2016 continued this week with announcements of three separate acquisitions:
Campari to Acquire Maker of Grand Marnier
Gruppo Campari announced that it will acquire Societe des Produits Marnier Lapostolle S.A., the maker of Grand Marnier, for €684 million (approximately $761 million USD). The announced acquisition, if completed, would add Grand Marnier to Gruppo Campari’s spirits and beverages brand portfolio, which includes its eponymous aperitif and other brands, including Skyy vodka and Wild Turkey bourbon.
Hunter Douglas to Acquire Levolor and Kirsch Brands from Newell Rubbermaid
While its deal to acquire Jarden for over $13 billion remains pending, Newell Rubbermaid announced this week that it intends to sell its window treatment brands Levolor and Kirsch to Hunter Douglas for $270 million. Newell Rubbermaid said that it plans to apply the proceeds towards paying debt.
Sherwin-Williams to Acquire Valspar
The Sherwin-Williams Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The Valspar Corporation for $11.3 billion. The companies hope to complete antitrust review by the first quarter of 2017. If completed, Sherwin-Williams believes the announced merger will help expand its international offerings and create significant monetary efficiencies.