Approved · Waiver · decided in 23 days, 9 Sept 2026
American spirits company Sazerac Company, Inc. proposes to acquire 100% of the shares of UK-based Aurous Topco Limited, including its subsidiary Au Vodka Ltd. This transaction involves the global alcoholic beverage industry, specifically vodka products, where Au Vodka's products are distributed in Australia.
Sazerac Company, Inc. (together with its corporate group, Sazerac ) proposes to acquire 100% of the shares of Aurous Topco Limited, and its subsidiaries, relevantly including Au Vodka Ltd (together, Au Vodka ) (the Acquisition ). Sazerac is an American alcoholic beverage company specialising in spirits. It owns over 525 brands and 18 distilling and bottling facilities worldwide. Sazerac manufactures a range of products including bourbon, American whiskey, vodka, rum and tequila, pre-mixed cocktails and cordials. It also manufactures complementary products such as bitters and non-alcoholic products. In addition to manufacturing, Sazerac distributes its own and some (limited) third parties' products, and also operates spirit distilleries. Sazerac distributes its products globally through both direct sales and distribution channels. In Australia, Sazerac’s sales are made through an Australian subsidiary which imports and supplies the products at wholesale prices to distributors. Sazerac has no manufacturing facilities in Australia. Au Vodka is a UK-based alcoholic beverage brand that supplies vodka products (including both spirits and ready-to-drink products) globally across approximately 50 countries. Au Vodka does not have any employees or a physical presence in Australia; its products are imported and distributed in Australia through a third-party distributor.