News Analysis: V&S readies for market of eager global players

V&S: the key facts and figures

V&S has three operating arms:

V&S Absolut Spirits, which is the biggest contributor, and which includes Absolut vodka, Plymouth gin and Cruzan rum

V&S Distillers - the spirits in northern and central Europe, where V&S is a strong domestic player

V&S Wine - distributing wines and fortified wines in the Nordic region

NET SALES BY MARKET (Jan-Sept 2006)

North America................50%

Nordic and Baltic states (excluding Sweden).......19%

Sweden...........................12%

Rest of Europe, including Africa....................................15%

Asia/Pacific.......................2%

Central & South America...2%

NET SALES BY CATEGORY

Vodka..............................57%

Wine................................18%

Aquavit..............................3%

Rum...................................3%

Liqueurs............................2%

Gin.....................................1%

Other spirits......................3%

Bitters................................2%

Other.................................11%

• Harpers Says...