Oettinger Davidoff AG acquires majority interest in Asia Distributor Bluebell Cigars (Asia) Ltd.
Basel/Switzerland, January 14, 2016. Following the acquisition of a 25% interest in its Asia Distributor Bluebell Cigars (Asia) Ltd a year ago, Oettinger Davidoff AG, the worldwide leading manufacturer of premium cigars, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, announced today the acquisition of a majority interest effective January 1, 2016.
Bluebell Cigars (Asia) Ltd. will be renamed Davidoff of Geneva (Asia) Ltd. and will continue to be led by Laurent de Rougemont as Managing Director, and who in his new role as Senior Vice President Asia will report directly to Oettinger Davidoff CEO Hans- Kristian Hoejsgaard. Mr de Rougemont will be a member of Oettinger Davidoff’s global management group.
Gerhard Anderlohr, Oettinger Davidoff’s current Head of Asia, will take up a new role as Vice President Business Development with a particular focus on China and the Chinese consumer.
Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO Oettinger Davidoff AG, said: “The 2015 Agreement with Bluebell Cigars (Asia) Ltd. provided us with a right over time to acquire a majority interest in our long-standing Asian partner and the time was now right to make that move. The JV will continue to operate in the spirit of equal partnership, and Bluebell and Oettinger Davidoff will be equally represented on the company’s Board of Directors. I am delighted in this way to cement our relationship with Bluebell and further deepen our commitment to the Asia Region, which continues to represent significant future potential for the Davidoff business.”
Ashley Micklewright, CEO Bluebell (Asia) Ltd. stated: “We are delighted Oettinger Davidoff exercised their right to increase their interest in our joint venture and that we can now operate the business in the spirit both parties initially intended over a year ago. In today’s market, the impact of digital technologies and the harmonisation of markets across the globe has meant legacy relationships have had to be revisited and adapted so that the interest of parties remain aligned for the greater good of the brand. We have been particularly proud to have been associated with Davidoff for the past fifty years and of course its success in Asia, and we believe we have a foundation which will allow us to remain as proud for many more years to come.”
About Oettinger Davidoff AG
The CHF 1.23 billion Oettinger Davidoff AG, with over 3,600 employees around the world, traces its roots back to 1875 and remains family owned to this day, with two distinctly different businesses: one that is focused on FMCG distribution in the Swiss market and one dedicated to the core business of producing, marketing and retailing premium branded cigars, tobacco products and accessories. The premium branded cigar business includes Davidoff, AVO, Camacho, Cusano, Griffin’s, Private Stock, Zino and Zino Platinum. Oettinger Davidoff AG is anchored in a strong “crop-to-shop” philosophy, having pursued a vertical integration from the tobacco fields in the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua to the worldwide network of more than 70 Davidoff Flagship Stores.
About Bluebell Group
Since 1954, Bluebell has been a pioneer and leader in the distribution of luxury & lifestyle brands in Asia. Throughout this time the Group has successfully introduced and imported products of the highest quality and, through experience, has developed a deep understanding of how to market and promote these exclusive products in order to build them into powerful brands with both a large and longstanding recognition. Today Bluebell remains a family company and is one of the largest luxury distributors and brands curators in Asia, representing over 50 luxury and lifestyle brands in 10 countries, operating 500 retail stores, and employing over 2,500 dedicated staff. These brands include the best of fragrance and beauty, fashion apparel and accessories, jewelry and watches, homeware, digital concepts, gourmet food and cigars. Bluebell is the brand behind the brands in Asia.
