Louisville, Kentucky-based Brown-Forman Corporation recently announced an agreement to sell the Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood brands, as well as the Canadian Mist production assets, to Sazerac Company.
According to Brown-Forman, the sale reflects the company's strategy of focusing on premium brands. Early Times, which is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year, was the first brand Brown-Forman purchased in 1923. Canadian Mist joined its portfolio in 1971 and was the company’s first production operations outside of the United States.
“We are delighted to acquire such iconic brands as well as the Canadian Mist Distillery,” said Mark Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sazerac Company. “Brown-Forman has done an excellent job building these brands over the years and we expect to invest in the brands and grow their sales in the coming years.”
The sale of these brands is expected to close later this summer. Some of Sazerac's better-known brands include Southern Comfort, Fireball, Thompson and Dr. McGillicuddy's.
