The Swiss group Lalique, owner of the famous French crystal factory of the same name, will buy 75% of the wine estate at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, known for its Sauternes wines, it announced on Wednesday, specifying that it will launch an increase in capital. The Swiss group, already owner of the estate hotel-restaurant, will acquire these shares from its CEO, businessman Silvio Denz, who acquired the Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey estate in 2014.
For an amount of 18 million euros, the acquisition will be financed by a capital increase which will be finalized by mid-December “at the latest”, indicates the Swiss group in a press release. It will have the effect of increasing Silvio Denz’s stake in the Lalique group to 53.03%, compared to the current 50.10%. In 2021, the Swiss group, whose activities include crystal objects, perfumery as well as hotels and restaurants, bought the five-star hotel and restaurant in this area from Silvio Denz and the company Swiss investment Centinox Holding.
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With the acquisition of the wine estate, he intends to “develop synergies with the crystal and hospitality sectors”, “as he did with the Scottish whiskey distillery The Glenturret”, specifies the press release. In 2019, the group acquired 50% of this distillery founded in 1775 and opened a restaurant there which obtained a Michelin star and a boutique where its crystal objects are presented. The group also plans to soon launch a gin brand there.
Founded in 1618, the Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey estate covers 47 hectares, including 30 hectares of vines. Located near Château d’Yquem (owned by the LVMH group), this prestigious estate produces a Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855. Last year, its wine sales generated 1.4 million euros in revenue and recorded a profit operating close to the break-even point, details the Swiss group in the press release. Swiss billionaire Michael Pieper, who made his fortune with the kitchen equipment brand Franke, acquired a 25% stake in the estate from Silvio Denz in 2016 and will retain his interests in the property, the press release specifies.
Silvio Denz, who made his fortune in perfumes, bought the crystal factory founded in 1888 by the artist and master glassmaker René Lalique in 2008 to turn it around. He then renamed his company Lalique Group, named after this crystal factory known for its jewelry, vases and perfume bottles. He owns several estates in the Saint-Emilion vineyards.