Campari Group has completed the acquisition of 70% of bourbon and rye whiskey producer, Wilderness Trail Distillery, in a deal worth US$420 million.
As reported, an agreement to purchase the majority share was announced at the end of October, with Campari Group planning to purchase the remaining 30% in 2031.
Wilderness Trail Distillery was founded in 2012 by Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist, fermentation experts with more than 20 years of experience in the production of whiskey.
Current shareholders, they launched two premium Wilderness Trail expressions in 2018: Wilderness Trail Bourbon and Wilderness Trail Rye Whiskey. The portfolio also includes high-end, silver label six-year and eight-year bourbons. |
Commenting on the initial agreement, Campari Group CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz said: “We are very excited to take a controlling interest in world-class Wilderness Trail Distillery.
“By adding the fast-growing super-premium Wilderness Trail brand, we further expand and premiumise our bourbon offering, priming it to become Campari Group’s second major leg after the aperitif portfolio.”
Earlier this year, Campari Group sealed an agreement with brand-building specialist Catalyst Spirits to acquire an initial 15% interest in Howler Head Kentucky bourbon whiskey.
The agreement opens a path to total ownership and delivers exclusive global distribution rights for the brand. Howler Head is the official flavoured whiskey partner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) which attracts a huge following in the USA and globally.
