In order to grow its market in France, Italy's Campari eyes to buy French liquor firm Rhumantilles

Campari, an Italian drinks group, is in discussions to acquire French firm Rhumantilles SAS. This acquisition will help Campari to expand its rum business and grow its market in France.

French liquor firm Rhumantilles, owned by Compagnie Financiere Chevrillon and a group of minority shareholders, produces Caribbean Rhum Agricole brands through its Bellonnie & Bourdillon Successeurs (BBS) unit. The company makes Mauny, Trois Rivieres and Duquesne rhums.

Rhum is a specific type of rum drink that is only made in the Caribbean.

The Italian firm said that the net sale of Rhumantilles was 24.1 million euros.

Campari stated, "Rum was a premium category "at the heart of the mixology trend and growing cocktail culture. Moreover, France is poised to become one of the group's strategic markets and with this acquisition, Campari group has the opportunity to add significant critical mass in this market."

Campari is the world's sixth largest spirits company. It owns over 50 brands, including Aperol, Grand Marnier and Wild Turkey bourbon.