Long-time client Diageo has agreed to acquire Aviation American Gin through the acquisition of Aviation Gin LLC and Davos Brands LLC for total consideration of up to $610 million. Aviation American Gin co-owner and actor Ryan Reynolds will retain an ongoing ownership interest in the brand. U.K.-based Diageo is also acquiring the other brands in the Davos Brands’ portfolio consisting of Astral Tequila, Sombra Mezcal and TYKU Sake. The deal was announced August 17, 2020.
The S&C team on the transaction is led by M&A partner Melissa Sawyer and includes Florence Zhang, Ashlyann Harrison, Joshua Park and Elizabeth Cheung. Partner Ronald Creamer and associate Jameson Lloyd advised on tax matters, Matthew Friestedt and associate Kristen Klein advised on executive compensation, Evan Simpson advised on disclosure matters and Matthew Brennan advised on environmental matters.
S&C has represented Diageo in its most transformative M&A transactions over the last two decades, including in Grand Metropolitan’s combination with Guinness to form Diageo. Since then, S&C lawyers have advised Diageo in its $1 billion acquisition of Casamigos from founders George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, its $550 million sale of nineteen brands to Sazerac, its sale of Bushmills to Jose Cuervo Overseas and its purchase of Seagram Wine & Spirits.