ussian Standard Corporation (RSC), a company having interests in vodka, wine, spirits distribution, banking and insurance, has completed the acquisition of vodka producer and spirits distributor Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) of Poland.The acquisition allows RSC to add more than 12 brands to its portfolio and takes it to the position of second-largest vodka producer by volume in the world.
The newly added brands include Russia's Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli, and Poland's Zubrowka, Absolwent and Soplica. These brands complement well with the company's premium brand Russian Standard Vodka, said RSC which aims to increase the export of these newly acquired brands.
With production facilities and distribution centers spread across Russia, Poland, Hungary and Italy, and the newly acquired brands, the combined business expects to have a turnover of 34 million 9l cases of products annually.
RSC founder and chairman Roustam Tariko said the company now has the most authentic vodka brands in the most important vodka homelands - Poland and Russia.
"As the vodka category continues its global growth, our diverse portfolio will be able to satisfy the taste of consumers around the world, from price conscious to premium," Tariko added.
"With this acquisition we have fully invested in CEDC's brands, in their history and in the people who make them.
"As we move forward, we expect to have many opportunities together. We have greater potential as one company, with complementary brands, segments, import portfolios and export markets."
RSC acquired CEDC through one of its affiliates, Roust Trading.
