Iconic Czech spirit Becherovka will get a Polish owner

A traditional Czech libation will pass from French hands to new Polish owners. Pernod Ricard announced the sale of Becherovka at the end of last year, with the finalization of the deal expected by the end of June 2024.

The Czech Office for the Protection of Economic Competition (ÚOHS) has given the green light for the sale of Jan Becher – Karlovarská Becherovka (JBKB) to Maspex, a Polish multinational food company. According to the ÚOHS, the merger is not likely to cause any significant distortion of competition.

Jan Becher-Karlovarská Becherovka, a family business, founded the spirits company in 1807 in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary. The company registered as a trademark in 1922 and became a joint-stock company in 1994. Pernod Ricard acquired the Becherovka in 2001 when it was privatized.

Maspex is the leading private food company in Poland and among the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. Established in 1998, its key brands include Relax, Caprio juices, and Tiger energy drink. The company recently expanded its portfolio to include alcoholic beverages under the Zubrówka brand. Maspex operates a production plant in Veselí nad Lužnicí in the Czech Republic.

The Jan Becher company operates The Home of Becherovka visitor center in Karlovy Vary, which will also fall into the hands of Maspex.

Pernod Ricard, the world's second-largest spirits maker, said towards the end of last year it wanted to sell the iconic Czech brand in order to streamline its portfolio.