Inbrew and TPG in race to acquire Imperial blue

Inbrew Beverages is a leading contender to acquire Imperial Blue from French beverage giant Pernod Ricard, according to media reports. Inbrew is owned by Ravi S. Deol, the London-based entrepreneur behind Barista.

Inbrew, which has acquired 30 mass market spirits brands from Diageo and the beer portfolio of Molson Coors in recent years, submitted its bid last week, a report added. Competing against Inbrew is a US-based private equity firm TPG Capital, known for investments and exits in alcohol companies across Myanmar, Turkey and China.

Pernod Ricard has decided to divest Imperial Blue as part of a broader strategy to focus on premium products. The company aims to sharpen its focus on global brands like Glenlivet, Jameson, Chivas Regal, and Absolut, along with domestic brands such as Blenders Pride and Royal Stag. Goldman Sachs is managing the sale process, with due diligence set to begin shortly before final bids are submitted.