Ryan Reynolds is about to cash in on his side hustle with Aviation American Gin. Diageo PLC, the world's largest liquor maker, has committed to paying up to $610 million to acquire the brand, of which Reynolds is a co-owner and its very amusing pitchman. Diageo plans to make an upfront payment of $335 million and up to $275 million more over the next decade based on the performance of Aviation American Gin. The deal is expected to wrap up by the end of 2020.
Diageo's deal is with New York-based Davos Brands, LLC, the distributor who produces Aviation Gin and other brands of alcohol. Reynolds bought an undisclosed stake in Aviation Gin in 2018 and will retain his interest in the brand once the deal closes. This is a smart move on behalf of Diageo as Reynolds' goofy personality is strongly linked to Aviation's marketing. Reynolds, best known for the lead role in "Deadpool," is married to actress Blake Lively. The couple has three children.
In 2018, when Reynolds bought into Aviation Gin, the sales were about $20 million. The following year, sales increased to $40 million. That's about 1.3% of the gin market in the U.S. Aviation sold about 96,000 cases of gin in 2019.
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Diageo also makes Smirnoff vodka products, Johnnie Walker Scotch, and, in 2007, partnered with rapper Sean Combs to create Ciroc vodka. Then, just three years ago, Diageo committed $700 million to buy George Clooney and Rande Gerber's upscale tequila brand Casamigos. Diageo is also buying other brands from Davos Brands as part of the Aviation deal, including TYKU Sake, Sombra Mezcal, and Astral Tequila.
In a statement released by Diageo, Reynolds said: "A little over two years ago, I became an owner of Aviation Gin because I love the taste of Aviation more than any other spirit. What I didn't expect was the sheer creative joy learning a new industry would bring. Growing the brand with my company, Maximum Effort Marketing, has been among the most fulfilling projects I've ever been involved with. I want to thank Diageo for their incredible team and passion. We're so excited for the next chapter of Aviation Gin, which, I promise, will require just as little reading."
