Rémy Cointreau acquires majority stake in champagne producer

Rémy Cointreau has acquired a majority stake in champagne producer, Champagne J. de Telmont, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1912, the champagne house is located in Damery, in the Marne department of France. The acquisition deal includes the company’s brands, inventory, production facilities and property assets on its estate, as well as vineyards in the Champagne region.

“We’re delighted to welcome J. de Telmont champagne into the Rémy Cointreau group family of wines and spirits,” said Eric Vallat, who was appointed Rémy Cointreau’s new CEO at the end of last year.

“This acquisition adds to the group’s portfolio a craft champagne brand that offers tremendous growth potential and shares the same values of terroir, people and time as its other houses.”

A fourth-generation member of J. de Telmont’s founding family, Bertrand Lhopital, will continue to work for the company under the new ownership to maintain family tradition.

“The arrival of Rémy Cointreau, whose commitment to terroirs and the associated expertise is well established, adds a new dimension to the quest for excellence that has been our family’s guiding light for several generations,” said Bertrand Lhopital.

The house will be chaired and managed by Ludovic du Plessis, who previously served as executive director of Rémy Cointreau’s cognac house, Louis XIII.

Ludovic du Plessis added: “Our ambition is to develop the J. de Telmont brand, particularly outside France, while protecting its master craftsmanship in champagne and stepping up the focus on organic/biodynamic agriculture at a time when only 3% of champagne vineyards are certified for organic production.”