History

From a family pastis business to a major international company, the history of Pernod Ricard can be broken down into several key periods.

This history begins in December 1974 when Pernod and Ricard were still long-standing competitors in the French anise-based spirits market. Nevertheless, they decided to join forces to win foreign markets.

From 1975 to 1984, the Group begins its international development.

From 1985 to 1993, Pernod Ricard builds a global network (Italy, Ireland, Cuba, Australia, Asia). Then, from 1997 to 1999, the time comes to reorganise before the 2000-2008 era of major acquisitions and reorientation around the core business: wines and spirits.

• Watch the interactive documentary showing the history of the Group

• 1975
  France: creation of Pernod Ricard from the merger of 2 anis-based spirits companies, Pernod and Ricard
  Scotland: acquisition of Campbell Distillers (Scotch whiskeys)
  
  
• 1980
  United States: acquisition of Austin Nichols (bourbon) 
  
  
• 1982
  France: SIAS MPA, world leader in the preparation of fruits and dairy, sold in 2002
  
  
• 1984
  France: Orangina, sold in 2001 
  
  
• 1985
  Italy: acquisition of Ramazzotti (bitters)
  
  
• 1988
  Ireland: acquisition of Irish Distillers (Irish whiskeys) and BWG, its subsidiary, a distribution company in Ireland and in the United Kingdon that will be sold in 2002 
  
  
• 1989
  Australia: acquisition of Orlando Wyndham (wines) 
  
  
• 1993
  Cuba: creation of Havana Club International (rum)
  
  
• 1997
  Spain: acquisition of Larios (gin, brandies et wines)
  
  
• 1999
  Armenia: acquisition of Yerevan Brandy Company (brandies)
  
  
• 2001
  Purchase of 38% of Seagram’s Wines and Spirits business
  Poland: acquisition of Wyborowa SA, formerly Polmos Poznan (vodkas)
  Czech Republic: acquisition of Jan Becher (bitters)
  
  
• 2002
  Partnership agreement with Sogrape for distribution of Sandeman (port)
  Partnership agreement with Kirin for distribution of Four Roses (bourbon)
  
  
• 2005
  Acquisition of Allied Domecq (wines and spirits) in partnership with Fortune Brands
  
  
• 2008
  Acquisition of the Swedish group V&S (Wines and Spirits)