(Chouilly, France) JUNE 19, 2019 — The Centre Vinicole-Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (CV-CNF) announced today the acquisition of the centuries-old Champagne House Henri Abelé, which has been part of the Freixenet Group since 1985.
The deal announcement was made after several weeks of exclusive negotiations, concluded with the signing of a definitive share purchase agreement in Paris. The parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details of the transaction.
Champagne Henri Abelé sells about 300,000 bottles, exclusively on-trade through specialized and traditional channels and also as a long term official supplier to royal courts of Europe and to the most prestigious institutions worldwide (including the Élysée Palace – French President’s residence – UNESCO, the French Senate). It benefits from the support of Freixenet’s distribution network and from Yvon Mau (both subsidiaries of the Henkell-Freixenet Group). Champagne House of Henri Abelé does not own vineyards but has managed to secure long term contracts with wine growers mostly from the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs vineyards.
The CV-CNF, whose flagship brand Nicolas Feuillatte is n°1 in France* and currently n°3 worldwide ** continues its value strategy in a Champagne market driven by brand premiumization, and steps up its development with the addition of a prized asset in its enlarged brand portfolio.
“Our decision to buy this jewel, which is part of our local wine heritage, opens a new chapter for the Centre Vinicole-Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte in the history of our Appellation,” comments Christophe Juarez, CV-CNF’s CEO. “It includes a complementary development model to distribution channels always keen to list exclusive products with high added value. Our vision relies on a long-term perspective and we trust this external growth acquisition will provide new impetus to our unique business model.”
Henri Abelé Champagne House, which dates back to 1757 and is therefore one of the oldest and rarest Champagne Houses, is located in Reims historical city centre with large traditional chalk cellars. On its side, Nicolas Feuillatte is the youngest of all the major Champagne Houses and the largest wine growers’ brand, with its state-of-the-art flagship estate located on the hillsides of the Côte des Blancs. Both companies share a deep attachment to the land of Champagne and have common values of heritage and modernity, tradition and boldness.
* Source: Nielsen CAD P6 2018 HMSM
** Source: Impact, June 2018
ABOUT CHAMPAGNE NICOLAS FEUILLATTE
With its unique most important cooperative structure, Nicolas Feuillatte unites the 4,500 growers of unparalleled expertise, to create one of the most technology-advanced winery in search of excellence. As the leading Group of Coops in Champagne, it launched the Nicolas Feuillatte House in 1986 which became a worldwide acclaimed success. Thoroughly modern, the youngest of all the major Champagne brands boldly presents a new interpretation of luxury and rewrites the rules. It reinvents the classic ‘Champagne moment’ and advocates celebrating life’s impromptu moments and new, more liberated ways to enjoy Champagne. For more information, please visit: www.nicolas-feuillatte.com.
ABOUT FREIXENET S.A
Freixenet is a family company founded in 1914 but tracing its roots back in 1861. It is the largest exporter if sparkling wine in Spain, as well as the world’s largest producer of cava. Its most iconic products Cordon Negro and Carta Nevada lead a range of sparklings sold in over 100 countries with the mission of helping the world celebrate life’s big and small moments. The company continues to evolve and launch new exciting products such as Freixenet ICE and Freixenet Prosecco for new younger consumers. Freixenet has the highest standards in quality and innovation, coupled with market and brand expertise. The company has its headquarters in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, in Barcelona. It has subsidiaries across the globe and wineries in the world’s best wine-growing areas such as the United States, Mexico, France and Australia. For more information, please visit: www.freixenet.com.
