Rémy Cointreau in exclusive talks over Champagne sale

Rémy Cointreau has entered into exclusive negotiations with EPI over the sale of its Champagne division. 

The sale would include its Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck brands. 

EPI (Societe Europeenne de Participations Industrielles) is a family-owned group run by Christopher Descours, which owns a number of upmarket French brands including children’s clothes firm Bonpoint, and men’s shirt store Alain Figaret. 

A well-placed source told Harpers the move would be “good for the brands and good for Champagne”, adding that EPI “were the best ones [buyers]”. 

Remy Cointreau announced it planned to sell its Champagne division back in November 2010, in order to focus on its Cognac brands. 

LVMH, Pernod Ricard and, more recently, Nicolas Feullate, had already ruled themselves out of bidding for the unit. 

Analysts have valued the unit at around EUR400 million or around four times its sales.