Larsen Cognac Sold Again – Remy Martin sells its Norwegian brand

After less than a year, Larsen Cognac is changing hands again.  It has been purchased by Altia, the leading Finnish wine and spirits company in the Nordic and Baltic countries, an area where Larsen has historically positioned itself as a key cognac brand.  The interim owners, Remy Martin have brokered a deal which hands over all aspects of the brand, including the industrial and commercial assets and the necessary inventories to continue operating Larsen as a going concern.  This has to be good news for the industry as the big houses eradicate much individuality by blending hundreds of cognacs together.  It was thought that Remy originally bought Larsen for its stocks but since they only make cognac from Fine Champagne, only some of the eaux de vie was useful.  Now, everyone is happy it would seem.  Altia get a great cognac brand; one with a history reaching back to 1926 and a unique range of products. Remy, on the other hand, have acquired some interesting cognacs to bolster their own stocks.  Most importantly though, Larsen is no longer in the hands of a big house so may yet retain some character and independence.