AdVini Acquires Cordier Assets in Major Wine Sector Consolidation

PARIS, France – March 12, 2026 – In a significant move signaling further consolidation within the global wine industry, AdVini and Cordier By InVivo have signed a binding agreement that will see AdVini acquire a substantial portion of Cordier's wine-growing assets. The deal, announced today after exclusive negotiations began on December 15, 2025, aims to create a more resilient and competitive French wine champion amidst unprecedented market challenges.

Under the terms of the agreement, AdVini will absorb assets representing approximately €50 million in annual export sales, the globally recognized Café de Paris sparkling wine brand and its production facility, and the historic Cordier brand. In exchange for this contribution, which is valued at approximately €11.5 million when including a cash component, Cordier's parent company, InVivo Group, will receive newly issued and treasury shares in AdVini. This will grant the agricultural giant a 7.8% stake in AdVini and a seat on its Board of Directors, solidifying a powerful new alliance in French viticulture.

A Strategic Response to Industry Headwinds

This merger is not happening in a vacuum. It represents a calculated response to a confluence of pressures reshaping the wine world. Global wine consumption has been on a downward trajectory, hitting a 60-year low in 2024 according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). This decline is driven by a combination of factors, including inflationary pressures on consumer spending and a significant cultural shift towards health and moderation, often dubbed the "sober curious" movement, particularly among younger generations.

Simultaneously, climate change continues to exert immense pressure on vineyards worldwide. Unpredictable weather patterns, extreme events like frost and drought, and rising temperatures are altering traditional terroirs and forcing producers to adapt urgently. In this difficult environment, consolidation has become a key survival strategy. Mergers and acquisitions allow companies to achieve economies of scale, diversify risk, strengthen distribution channels, and pool resources for investment in sustainable practices and innovation.

As Thierry Blandinières, CEO of the InVivo group, stated, “In an economic and geopolitical context that has never been so uncertain, with declining consumption in recent years and climate change impacting wine production, the industry is facing unprecedented challenges.” This sentiment underscores the rationale for the deal: to build a stronger, more agile entity capable of weathering the storm and seizing new opportunities.

AdVini's Calculated Leap into Growth Markets

For AdVini, a company with roots dating back to 1872, this transaction is a bold leap forward. The acquisition significantly expands its international footprint, leveraging Cordier’s established distribution subsidiaries in key markets such as the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, Canada, and Japan. The influx of an estimated €50 million in additional export turnover is expected to bolster the company’s top line, with the newly combined entity projected to achieve consolidated revenues exceeding €320 million, 65% of which will be generated internationally.

Perhaps the most strategic aspect of the deal is the acquisition of the Café de Paris brand. This move provides AdVini with an immediate and powerful entry into the booming sparkling and alcohol-free wine markets—two of the few bright spots in the broader beverage industry. While still wine consumption stagnates, the global sparkling wine market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 7% through the next decade, driven by its association with everyday luxury and celebration. Likewise, the non-alcoholic wine segment is experiencing explosive growth, with some forecasts predicting double-digit annual growth as consumers increasingly seek high-quality, alcohol-free alternatives.

By acquiring a well-established global brand and its production site, AdVini is not just diversifying its portfolio; it is strategically pivoting toward consumer-driven growth trends. The strengthening of its presence in the Bordeaux region through the historic Cordier brand further complements its existing mosaic of terroirs.

InVivo's 'Farm-to-Fork' Philosophy in Action

From the perspective of InVivo, one of Europe's largest agricultural groups with a turnover of €11.4 billion, this deal is more than a simple asset sale. It represents a deepening of its commitment to the French wine sector, aligning perfectly with its overarching 'farm-to-fork' strategy. By converting a portion of its wine assets into a significant shareholding in a leading terroir wine specialist, InVivo is reinforcing its position across the entire agricultural value chain.

With a base of 29,000 hectares of vineyards and 4,100 winegrowers in its network, InVivo's contribution to AdVini is a strategic redeployment of resources. Instead of competing directly in every segment, InVivo is now a key partner and shareholder in a strengthened AdVini, which it sees as a vehicle for growth and stability for its cooperative members.

Thierry Blandinières' appointment to the AdVini Board of Directors, representing InVivo, signals a long-term, collaborative partnership. “As a leader in terroir wines in France… AdVini, with InVivo by its side, will have new assets to accelerate its growth, secure its bulk wine supply, and strengthen its position as a French wine champion in many countries,” Blandinières commented.

Deal Structure and Future Outlook

The transaction has been structured as a contribution of assets, supplemented by cash, in exchange for AdVini shares valued at €35.20 each. This structure cleverly allows AdVini to expand without taking on new debt, preserving the strength of its balance sheet. The deal has already received approval from AdVini’s Board of Directors and is now subject to the final approval of shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for April 30, 2026.

Antoine Leccia, Chairman of AdVini’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in the merger's potential. “This merger will enable us to accelerate AdVini’s growth, gain a foothold in the dynamic sparkling and low-alcohol wine sectors, and expand our international distribution network,” he stated. “The new combined entity we are creating will also generate significant commercial synergies and enhance our group’s profitability.”

The alliance forges a formidable player in the French wine landscape, one that is better equipped to navigate global market complexities, invest in sustainable viticulture, and meet the evolving tastes of consumers worldwide.