Linklaters has advised the sellers, including founder Stephen Carroll, on the sale of Don Papa Rum, a super-premium, dark rum from the Philippines, to Diageo.

Launched in 2012 by entrepreneur Stephen Carroll, together with Andrew John Garcia, Don Papa Rum is currently available in 30 countries, with France, Germany and Italy being its largest markets.

The rum’s story is rooted in the Philippine Island of Negros Occidental, where the rum is distilled and aged using local sugar cane and American oak barrels.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023.

Linklaters’ Managing Associate Thomas Bishop, comments:

“We were delighted to be able to work with Stephen and the other sellers on this significant transaction and would like to congratulate everyone involved. This deal showcases the strength of our consumer M&A practice at the firm.”

The Linklaters team was led by Managing Associate Thomas Bishop, and supported by William Peck, Divpriya Chawla and Joshua Chang.