The French group GBH and MANGROVE Global Ltd, one of the UK’s main independent premium spirits distributors, have today announced their agreement for MANGROVE to be acquired by GBH. London based MANGROVE joins SPIRIBAM, which coordinates all of the spirits activities of GBH, the family owned and diversified group founded in 1960 by Bernard Hayot.
Nick Gillett, co-founder and current Managing Director of MANGROVE, remains at the helm of the company and will lead the distribution of all GBH rum brands for the UK. John Coe, majority shareholder and co-founder of MANGROVE in 2006, leaves the business to focus on his other business interests after a remarkable career in the spirits industry.
Nick Gillett, Managing Director of MANGROVE, said:
Joining GBH and having access to SPIRIBAM’s brands, resources and talents is an extraordinary opportunity. Under the impetus of new shareholder, MANGROVE will be able to accelerate its development in the UK by relying on a team of passionate employees and a portfolio of leading partner brands (Gin, Tequila, whiskeys, vodka, liqueurs, etc.).
GBH and MANGROVE share similar entrepreneurial values. The possibilities offered to our brands, but especially to my team, are a great opportunity. It is a real privilege to take part in this new chapter in the history of the company that I created from scratch with John Coe. I am personally convinced that MANGROVE’s best years lie ahead!”.
Stéphane Hayot, Managing Director of GBH, continued:
This new acquisition confirms our desire to intensify our investments and our development in the field of spirits by expanding our portfolio of premium brands, but also by strengthening our distribution structures in strategic markets. The United Kingdom has always been a priority for our brands, which are mainly positioned in the premium and super premium segments. The opening of SPIRIBAM UK in 2021 validated the potential of this market and convinced us to accelerate our establishment by acquiring MANGROVE Global Ltd, whose solid market expertise and very good success in terms of brand building are undisputed.
This operation is perfectly in line with our strategy of developing a powerful international distribution network for our spirits brands and those of our partners, by offering them an amplified quality of service and better visibility. The spirits sector is resolutely a strong area of development for GBH, alongside our Retail and Automotive activities.