Baker McKenzie Venezuela is pleased to announce its role as legal counsel to Bardinet, S.A. in its successful acquisition of the renowned Cacique rum brand from Diageo plc. This strategic transaction marks a significant milestone in Bardinet's expansion into the Latin American market and reinforces its position as a leading global spirits company.
Cacique, a brand with a rich heritage and strong market presence, is expected to enhance Bardinet's portfolio and provide new growth opportunities in the premium rum segment, leveraging the strong rum-distilling heritage of Venezuela.
Ronald Evans, Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie Venezuela, commented on the transaction: "We are honored to have represented Bardinet in this landmark acquisition. Our team worked diligently to navigate the complexities of the transaction and ensure a seamless transfer of assets. This deal underscores our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients and supporting their strategic growth initiatives. This transaction solidifies Baker McKenzie's role as a transactional powerhouse in Venezuela and the wider region, as well as our deep knowledge and experience of the rum and spirits industries. We are proud to enable the growth and further internationalization of Venezuela’s fantastic rum industry".
The Baker McKenzie Venezuela team was led by Ronald Evans, Eugenio Hernández-Bretón, and Jesús Villegas-Ruiz, with key support from Blas Ichaso and Maria-Fernanda Uzcátegui, and for the tax aspects Serviliano Abache Carvajal and David Mongiovi. The team provided comprehensive legal advice on all aspects of the transaction, including due diligence, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance.
Jean-Paul Bouyat, CEO of Bardinet, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: "The acquisition of the Cacique brand represents a significant step forward for Bardinet. We are excited to integrate Cacique into our portfolio and leverage its strong market presence to drive growth in the premium rum segment. We appreciate the exceptional legal support provided by Baker McKenzie Venezuela in making this transaction a success."
About Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie Venezuela, established in 1955, was the first international office of Baker McKenzie, and the first international law firm to open an office in Venezuela. With 70 years of experience, the firm provides a full range of legal services to clients across various industries, including energy, telecommunications, and consumer goods. The firm's deep local knowledge, combined with its extensive global network, enables it to deliver innovative and effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients.
