Diageo, whose gin portfolio already includes well-known brands like Tanqueray and Gordon’s, is adding another brand to the list: Aviation American Gin. The brand, sold for $610 million, is backed by Ryan Reynolds, perhaps most well known for his performance as Marvel Comics' Deadpool.
The Hollywood-influenced purchase isn't a first for Diageo, who also acquired George Clooney's Casamigos for $1 billion in 2017.
Reynolds, who has had a minority stake in Aviation Gin since 2018, will retain his interest after the sale is complete. Also part of the acquisition is Diageo's purchase of Aviation Gin's majority stakeholder, Davos Brands, as well as Davos' portfolio consisting of Astral Tequila, Sombra Mezcal and TYKU Sake.
