PERNOD RICARD S A SP/ADR - PRNDY STOCK NEWS

Pernod Ricard has signed an agreement to acquire a majority shareholding in Château Sainte Marguerite, a prestigious winery known for its Super Premium and Ultra Premium rosé wines. This acquisition, expected to finalize in the coming months, enhances Pernod Ricard's luxury portfolio, which includes renowned brands like Mumm and Perrier-Jouët. The winery will maintain its current management team, ensuring continuity and integration within Pernod Ricard's international network. This strategic move aims to bolster the company's market position and distribution capabilities.

Martell, a leading Cognac house, unveils its "Soar Beyond the Expected" campaign featuring artist Janelle Monáe and Cognac Educator ms. franky marshall. The film, "The Unexpected Effect," directed by Ewurakua Dawson-Amoah, highlights diverse paths and joy in overcoming challenges. The campaign introduces a limited-edition "Cocktail of the Future," blending Martell Blue Swift with cultural influences, and includes a donation of $200,000 to support BIPOC women in the restaurant industry. The kit is available until March 31, 2022, celebrating Black creativity and heritage.

Pernod Ricard announces an agreement to buy back shares worth up to €300 million as part of its ongoing share buyback program, which totals approximately €750 million for FY22. This program has already executed about €250 million in the first half of FY22. The buyback will start on February 18, 2022, and may extend until April 1, 2022, with a maximum price of €280 per share as approved in the November 10, 2021, shareholders' meeting.

Pernod Ricard reported H1 FY22 sales of €5,959m, with an impressive 17% organic growth and 20% reported growth. All regions experienced growth, particularly the Americas with 14% and Europe with 21%. Strategic brands drove sales with a 19% increase, while Specialty Brands rose by 21%. The company achieved a 32% rise in net profit, reaching €1,390m, supported by a strong 39% increase in recurring free cash flow. Despite a volatile environment, Pernod Ricard anticipates sustained growth into FY22, underpinned by its Transform & Accelerate strategy.

Pernod Ricard USA has launched the "Good Neighbor Initiative" in Dallas to promote safer nightlife by reducing binge drinking and impaired driving. The program aims to serve as a model for a national "Safe Night" initiative. Developed with partners including Responsibility.org and 24HourDallas, it focuses on collaboration between businesses and municipal departments. Key elements include educating business owners, mobilizing community leaders, and recognizing responsible nightlife venues. The initiative also seeks to curtail human trafficking and enhance compliance with codes and ordinances.

Pernod Ricard has successfully completed the sale of a majority stake in Société des Produits d’Armagnac (SPA) to Cloudsweeper GmbH, owned by entrepreneur Alexander Stein. This strategic move aims to enhance SPA's Armagnac brands, Marquis de Montesquiou and Comte de Lauvia, leveraging new development strategies amid a recovering Armagnac market. Pernod Ricard, recognized as a key global player in wines and spirits with €8,824 million in sales for FY21, will support the growth of these brands through this partnership.

Pernod Ricard has officially launched the 叠川THE CHUAN Malt Whisky Distillery in Emeishan, China, marking its status as the first international spirits group to operate a malt whisky distillery in the country. With an investment of 1 billion RMB (approximately 150 million USD) over the next decade, the distillery aims to produce premium malt whisky while promoting local culture and tourism. A visitor center is expected to attract 2 million tourists in its first decade, and the facility will operate sustainably, utilizing 100% renewable electricity and recycling wastewater.

Pernod Ricard held a Combined Shareholders’ Meeting on 10 November 2021, where key resolutions were approved, including a total annual dividend of €3.12 per share. An interim dividend of €1.33 per share was disbursed earlier on July 7, 2021. The meeting also confirmed the appointments of Ms. Namita Shah to the Board and approved compensation policies for Alexandre Ricard for FY21 and FY22. Notably, Pernod Ricard reported €8,824 million in sales for FY21, highlighting its strong market position.