Empresas y finanzas

Bacardi Limited Celebrates Acquisition of 42 BELOW



    Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the
    world, today celebrated shareholder acceptance of its offer to acquire
    the New Zealand spirits company 42 BELOW Limited, best known for its
    premium 42 BELOW vodkas.

    "Bacardi is thrilled to welcome 42 BELOW's young and innovative
    brands into our global portfolio of premium products," said Andreas
    Gembler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bacardi Limited.
    "With substantial investment, time and nurturing, these brands show
    long-term potential in the global spirits industry, especially in the
    growing Asia-Pacific region."

    42 BELOW vodka was launched in 1998 in the premium vodka segment
    and has shown strong volume growth in the last few years. Known for
    its innovative, irreverent and entrepreneurial style, 42 BELOW has
    earned a robust reputation for authentic New Zealand purity, quality
    and exceptional taste. Such attributes are reflected in its winning
    numerous prestigious international awards including scoring a 'Grand
    Slam' clean sweep in 2006 with gold at all four of the world's leading
    spirit competitions. 42 BELOW was judged New Zealand's fastest growing
    exporter, fastest growing listed company and fastest growing company
    overall in the Deloitte Unlimited Fast 50 2005. 42 BELOW vodka is
    currently distributed in more than 25 countries.

    "In addition to acquiring premium brands, we're proud to welcome
    the 42 BELOW team into the Bacardi family. The team's passion with
    regard to their brands and clever strategy have made these fine
    products a New Zealand success story and will ensure 42 BELOW
    maintains the New Zealand authenticity which has helped make it a
    hit," added Mr. Gembler.

    Bacardi is acquiring the 42 BELOW brands of 42 BELOW Vodka,
    including four flavoured vodkas -- Manuka Honey, Kiwifruit, Feijoa and
    Passionfruit -- and the newly developed products of SOUTH Gin, STIL
    Vodka, SEVEN TIKI White Rum, TAHITI DARK Rum and 420 spring water.

    42 BELOW's Chief Vodka Bloke Geoff Ross said, "We're really
    honored to become part of a company with such a tremendous reputation.
    Bacardi has such an impressive track record of investing in and
    growing brands. We're so proud that these brands now have the
    opportunity to become what we always hoped for -- global icons of New
    Zealand."

    Having reached shareholder acceptance of 90 percent of shares of
    42 BELOW Limited under its takeover offer, Bacardi intends to begin
    compulsory acquisition of the shares for which it does not receive
    acceptances by December 15, 2006. Bacardi's all-cash offer was for
    US$91 million (NZ$138 million).

    About Bacardi Limited

    Bacardi Limited is the largest privately held spirits company in
    the world and produces and markets a variety of internationally
    recognized spirits. Bacardi Limited's brand portfolio consists of more
    than 250 brands and labels, including BACARDI rum, the world's
    favorite rum; MARTINI & ROSSI vermouth, the world leader in vermouth,
    GREY GOOSE vodka, the world leader in ultra-premium vodka; DEWAR'S
    Scotch whisky, the number one selling blended Scotch whisky in the
    United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, one of the most popular premium
    gins in the world; CAZADORES blue agave tequila, the top selling 100
    percent blue agave tequila worldwide and other leading brands.