Report: Bacardi Eyes Purchase Of Ilegal Mezcal

Bloomberg reports that Bacardi is closing in on a deal to acquire the Ilegal mezcal brand, with the price expected to be less than $200 million. Bacardi took a minority stake in Ilegal in 2017, but the brand has continued to operate independently, reaching 87,000 9-liter cases on 85% growth in the U.S. last year.

Earlier this year, private equity L Catterton had been in talks to potentially acquire the brand, Bloomberg added. Ilegal founder John Rexer recently told SND the brand’s growth has continued as more U.S. consumers discover the category. “It’s quite exciting to see the broader market really embrace mezcal,” he said. “A good indication of this are national chains which are now bringing in Ilegal, as well as our growth in the secondary markets like Georgia and New Jersey.”—Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : Bacardi, Ilegal

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