Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has advised longstanding client CVC Capital Partners VIII (‘CVC Funds’) and its portfolio company Stock Spirits on the entry into exclusive negotiations for the simultaneous acquisitions of the Clan Campbell Blended Scotch Whisky brand and the Dugas group. Both proposed transactions are subject to consultation with the relevant employee representative bodies and relevant regulatory procedures. Clan Campbell is one of the leading brands in the blend-12 yo Scotch whisky category in France, with presence also in other European markets such as Spain, Luxembourg, and Italy. Its range has increased in recent years with the addition of Clan Caribbean rum-based spirit drink. The Dugas group, established in 1980, is a leader in the value-add distribution of premium spirits in France.  It offers one of the widest ranges of exclusive and premium brand name spirits in France and specialises in the fast-growing rum and whisky segments. Freshfields originally advised CVC Funds on its take-private acquisition of the Stock Spirits group in 2021. The Freshfields team advising CVC Funds and the Stock Spirits group is led by partners Charles Hayes, Nicolas Barberis and Yann Gozal and senior associates Jay Swain and Radu Valeanu, with support from a team across the network including partners Richard Lister, Aled Batey and Jill Gatehouse and senior associates Zofia Aszendorf and Kate Hatcher. Further information can be found here.