V&S to explore possible sale of Florida Distillers

V&S Group has decided to explore strategic alternatives including a possible sale for Florida Distillers, a division within Cruzan International, Inc., which was acquired by V&S in March 2006.

“V&S is evaluating strategic alternatives for Florida Distillers in order to maintain focus on our branded spirits business. Cruzan Rum was the main objective of our acquisition of Cruzan International, Inc., and V&S will explore other alternatives for the group’s non-core operations,” says Mats Andersson, Senior Vice President V&S Business Development. Florida Distillers is a leading manufacturer and marketer of bulk and branded beverage alcohol products, specialty foods and ingredients. The Company also has a contract bottling operation and is the leading producer in the U.S. of citrus brandy and citrus spirits. It also produces cooking wines and vinegar products. Florida Distillers conducts its operations through four facilities in Florida and Kentucky, in the US. V&S has engaged TM Capital Corp (www.tmcapital.com) to explore strategic alternatives for Florida Distillers.