REMY COINTREAU’S FULL YEAR FISCAL RESULTS

were marked by several factors, said the company, with these in particular:

- “remarkable” cognac sales,
- all the Group’s brands moving upmarket,
- an ongoing price increase policy,
- focused and sustained marketing investment,
- a significant reduction in debt, and
- the decision to leave Maxxium in 2009.

Rémy Martin had an excellent year, says Remy, with the majority of growth coming from Asia, the US and Russia. The Cointreau brand also achieved another year of good growth while continuing to establish its new contemporary image in the US.

“The performances of other partner brands distributed by Rémy Cointreau USA, in particular Scotch whiskies and new Californian wines, were good. Initial results for Imperia vodka are very encouraging,” said the company in a press release.

In November, Remy announced its decision to cancel its global j-v agreement with Maxxium, which will go into effect March 30, 2009. As a result, the company swung to a net loss of 23 million euros from profit of 77.8 million the previous year as compensation for its Maxxium withdrawal. Since the announcement was made, many people have speculated that Remy could eventually be acquired by Bacardi or Brown-Forman.