Willkie advised Oak Nation, a subsidiary of the Charlois Group, in the acquisition of Kelvin Cooperage, a Kentucky-based company specializing in the production of high-end bourbon barrels and in the selection and international trade of used barrels for distilleries worldwide.

On July 25, France-based Charlois Group announced that its subsidiary Oak Nation signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of 100% of Kelvin Cooperage. The acquisition represents a significant milestone for Charlois Group in the United States and strengthens its position in the premium spirits market.

Oak Nation is a key player in the world of cooperages, specializing in all phases of barrel production for wineries and distilleries, including forestry, stave production and cask making.

The Willkie team was led by partners Christophe Garaud and Ryan Giggs and included partners Robert Jacobson and Michael Katz and associates Paul Dumas, Amelia Trefz and Rishika Nallapareddy.