Blavod Black Vodka acquires distribution rights of Babco brands

Blavod Black Vodka, the London-based owner of the black-coloured vodka of the same name, has acquired the distribution rights of drinks company Babco Europe.

The deal will see Blavod assume the UK distribution rights for Dutch energy drink Agwa, Mickey Finn, a range of three flavoured schnapps, and TJ's Rosas, a tequila cream liqueur.

Blavod will initially pay £300,000 and issue an initial 450,000 shares to acquire the rights for the brands over a 10-year period. Earlier this year, Blavod clinched the importing and distribution rights to Domaines Baron de Rothschild wines.

Chris Bowen, who left the since defunct FD Brands last year to set up Babco UK, now joins the board of directors at Blavod Black Vodka. He said: "I am delighted at this major development because it provides our strong, young spirit brands with the backing and bigger portfolio they need to quickly reach their full potential."

Blavod chairman Allan Shiach added: "We expect the extension of the product range to bring forward the point when we move into profitability. The broader range of premium products extends and strengthens the market position of Blavod vodka."

Babco UK will continue to develop its non-spirits alcoholic drinks business as a separate organisation.