Berentzen

The Lower Saxony-based schnapps and beverage maker Berentzen is holding talks about a public takeover offer from the US whiskey company Sazerac. Sazerac, with around $6 billion in sales and more than 500 brands, pursues an expansive acquisition strategy and could easily finance a takeover. Berentzen has recently suffered from declining alcohol demand: half-year volumes fell by about 11 percent and operating profit plunged by more than 80 percent; the share rose by more than 3 percent after reports. » Altro su manager-magazin.de

Berentzen is suffering from a continued slump in demand for spirits and reports a roughly 11% drop in sales to €71 million for the first half and an EBIT collapse of more than 80% to about €0.6 million. The company lowers its 2026 sales forecast to €151–156 million (previously €163–173 million) and now expects EBIT of €3.5–5 million (previously €7–9 million). Berentzen plans to publish the final figures on August 13. » Altro su wiwo.de

Berentzen recorded preliminary first-quarter 2026 figures: revenue fell by about 10% to €35.2 million, and operating profit before interest and taxes (EBIT) plunged by more than 80% to around €200,000. The company attributed this to weak alcohol sales at the end of 2025, which left trading partners with high inventories heading into 2026 and prevented follow-up sales. Despite the weak start, the company reaffirmed its full-year guidance of €163–173 million in revenue and €7–9 million in EBIT. CEO Oliver Schwegmann cites the disappointingly weak consumer demand as the main cause. » Altro su t-online.de