Overview
Global leader in luxury wines and spirits Moët Hennessy, a division of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, announced its acquisition of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, a nearly five-decade-old producer of fine wines from Napa Valley and, more recently, the Sonoma Coast. Moët Hennessy purchased the portfolio of Joseph Phelps, which includes the Insignia brand, a Bordeaux-style red blend from Napa. The deal also included 530 acres (215 hectares) of vineyards, including 429 acres (174 hectares) in nine Napa Valley estates and 99 acres (40 hectares) in two estates around the Freestone winery on the Sonoma Coast, according to the winery.
“Joseph Phelps has been to the Napa Valley what Nicolas Ruinart, Joseph Krug and Claude Moët were to the Champagne region, and likewise we will continue to develop this new House in respect of the founder’s heritage and vision,” said Philippe Schaus, Chairman and CEO of Moët Hennessy.
BFKN was lead counsel to Moët Hennessy in connection with the acquisition. The team was led by Fashion, Luxury & Retail Group chair Daniel L. Dominguez and Kait E. Kelly, along with senior partners and founders Peter J. Barack and Dennis A. Ferrazzano. Tax & Business Planning Group co-chair Michael J. Towne and Megan E. Toal provided guidance with respect to the tax aspects of the transaction; Intellectual Property Group co-chair Scott J. Slavick, Thomas M. Gniot and Nicole Chimienti assisted with intellectual property matters; Compensation & Employment Group chair Andrew K. Strimaitis, as well as Corwin J. Carr and Alex Freund, advised on compensation, benefits and employment matters; Cybersecurity, Privacy & Technology Group chair Karyn L. Doerfler handled privacy issues and Jim S. Montelongo and Victoria Rusanova Cordiak provided additional Corporate support.
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