Sweden's Absolut Vodka will be sold to Pernod Ricard.

According to government sources in Stockholm, and confirmed through an official statement on Monday morning, the Swedish government has decided to accept the French Pernod-Ricard Group's bid for state owned Vin & Sprit, including the prestige "crown jewel" Absolut Vodka.

Information is still very limited, but there is an indication that the price paid, which was decided through auction, could be in region of USD 3.25 Bi lion (SEK 55 Billion).

The responsible Swedish Minister Mats Odell, commented that the price paid was satisfactory, and the money will be used to lower the level of debt accumulated by previous governments, and this in turn will lower the country's annual mortgage.

Thanks to this transaction two Polish vodka brands Luksusowa and Wyborowa will have one owner and Pernod Ricard will become one of the biggest vodka producers in Poland.

Source: http://www.scandinavianow.com/