Pernod Ricard USA Appoints Republic National Distributing Co. as Exclusive Distributor in 8 Markets

Pernod_RicardNEW YORK–()–Pernod Ricard USA, the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., today reaffirmed its longstanding relationship with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), one of the country’s leading spirits and wines distributors, as its exclusive distributor in 8 markets, effective July 1, 2014.

The appointments – which come after an extensive review process – create a tighter alignment between the companies at the local market level. RNDC will represent Pernod Ricard spirits and wines brands in Texas, Louisiana, Maryland (including Montgomery County), Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Washington, D.C. RNDC also will sell Pernod Ricard wines in Virginia, and in Georgia and New Mexico under National Distributing Company. RNDC will continue to act as an authorized distribution agent for Pernod Ricard USA in Michigan.

“Our renewed partnership with RNDC significantly enhances our powerful route to consumers,” said Bryan Fry, President and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA. “RNDC has a strong track record of success with Pernod Ricard in its appointed markets, and we look forward to further leveraging their excellent planning and execution capabilities.”

Tom Cole, RNDC’s President, said RNDC is pleased to enhance its relationship with Pernod Ricard USA. “We are confident that we can build upon the momentum enjoyed by Pernod Ricard’s leading brands, which are desired by bartenders, retailers and consumers alike,” Cole said. He added that he expects the leadership teams of both companies to jointly develop even stronger, mutually beneficial initiatives in support of Pernod Ricard’s portfolio.

Fry said the new relationship will “harness the power of our premium brands by enabling both Pernod Ricard USA and RNDC to better capitalize on such key business drivers as innovation, multicultural marketing, digital media and the growth of chain stores.”

About Pernod Ricard USA®

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company’s leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

About Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC)

RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 7,800 individuals nationwide. For more information, please visit www.rndc-usa.com.