PRESS
RELEASE – Saint Lucia Distillers Group of Companies (SLD) has
been acquired by Martinique conglomerate
The group currently employs in excess of 8,500
people and is concentrated in three divisions: automotive distribution,
retail/wholesale distribution and industrial production.
(GBH) owns two successful distilleries in Martinique
– Rhum Clément and Rhum J.M. The acquisition of SLD brings together two
established traditions of rum making – Rhum Agricole and molasses based – into
one portfolio. GBH intends to put in place a comprehensive investment program
for St Lucia Distiller’s production and warehousing facilities.
SLD’s commitment to traditional artisanal rum,
made to the highest possible standards, will remain at the center of its
philosophy and will therefore mirror the same ethos employed by Rhum Clément
and Rhum J.M.
The management and staff of St Lucia
Distillers will all be retained under the new ownership and the management
structure will remain unchanged. SLD will continue to use its existing export
market distributors, but will also tap into the distribution network of GBH’s
other brands, which will facilitate the continued expansion of Chairman’s
Reserve, Admiral Rodney and 1931 into the global markets.
St Lucia Distillers’ Managing Director, Mrs.
Margaret Monplaisir, expressed her delight at the acquisition: “I am excited
and very happy that St Lucia Distillers has a new owner committed to further
investment in our distillery and helping us build our brands both locally and
internationally. It is a tribute to the hard work of our 150 staff members,
that such a major Caribbean company has seen the potential of our operation. We
certainly have a bright future ahead and we are keen to begin working with our
new owners. GBH also intends to use its considerable expertise to develop
our tour at St Lucia Distillers making it a “must see” for visitors to St.
Lucia, like they have done at Habitation Clement in Martinique’.
GBH Spirit Division’s Director Gregoire Gueden
described the acquisition as “a natural progression given the close proximity
of Martinique to St. Lucia and the similarity of our heritage and cultures. We
admire the rums of St Lucia Distillers and believe we can build Chairman’s
Reserve into a major global brand. It is our intention to invest in the
distillery, warehousing and SLD’s work force so that we can continue to make
some of the greatest rums in the world”.
Read More at http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/new-owner-of-st-lucia-distillers-to-implement-comprehensive-investment-programme/#sthash.RLsjYkMo.SHd9DtKC.dpuf
