Monmousseau family completes Bouvet Ladubay MBO from Diageo

The Monmousseau family has taken back ownership of French sparkling wine producer Bouvet Ladubay from Diageo for an undisclosed sum.

The Monmousseau family has taken back ownership of French sparkling wine producer Bouvet Ladubay from Diageo for an undisclosed sum.

The family bought the Saumur-based estate since 1932 and has managed it ever since.

It sold Bouvet Ladubay to Champagne Taittinger in 1974. Subsequent owners have included Starwood, United Spirits and, since 2013, Diageo.

The family has taken advantage of the global drinks giant's decision to divest its wine businesses to buy back the company.

Patrice Monmousseau continues to be president of Bouvet Ladubay, as he has been since 1972. His daughter Juliette Monmousseau, who joined eight years ago, becomes chief executive.

The deal was financed by a consortium which included three private equity houses - lead investor Ouest Croissance, CM CIC Investments, and Unigrains - as well as Banque Populaire Atlantique, Banque CIC Ouest, Banque Européenne du Credit Mutuel, and the Banque Caisse d'Epargne Bretagne Pays de la Loire.

Bouvet Ladubay logo

Patrice Monmousseau said: "We are very happy with our new partners, and look forward to once again being fully responsible for the future successes of Bouvet Ladubay.

"It is fitting that Bouvet Ladubay returns to the family. Our main aim at this stage is to ensure stability for our employees and the continued development of our business."

Bouvet Ladubay, which is based in St Hilaire St Florent, is the largest producer of traditional method sparkling wines in Saumur, and also the second oldest.

It produces around six million bottles each year and exports some 60% of its wines to over 45 countries worldwide.

It has UK listings in Majestic, Justerini & Brooks and elsewhere.

The winery is also the leading visitor attraction in the Maine & Loire, with over 40,000 visitors per year.

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