**Viral Vodka Brand Au Set for £500m Sale to BuzzBallz Owner**
**London, UK** – Au Vodka, the distinctive British spirits brand that has become synonymous with luxury parties and rapid social media growth, is reportedly on the verge of a blockbuster acquisition. BuzzBallz owner Gemini Spirits & Wine, a division of the formidable Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, is set to purchase the viral vodka brand for an estimated £500 million.
The deal, if confirmed, marks a significant milestone for Au Vodka, which was founded in Swansea, Wales, by entrepreneurs Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn. Launched just over five years ago, the brand quickly distinguished itself with its eye-catching gold bottles and a potent marketing strategy heavily reliant on social media virality and celebrity endorsements, including from boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.
Au Vodka has successfully cultivated an image of exclusivity and aspiration, making its golden bottles a ubiquitous presence at high-profile events and poolside parties in luxury destinations like Ibiza and Dubai. This targeted branding and strong digital footprint helped propel the company from a startup to a major player in the premium spirits market, achieving impressive revenue growth in a short period.
For Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, one of the largest wine and spirits distributors in the world, the acquisition of Au Vodka through its Gemini Spirits & Wine division represents a strategic move to expand its portfolio with a rapidly growing, digitally-native brand. Gemini already owns BuzzBallz, a popular range of ready-to-drink cocktails, and the addition of Au Vodka would significantly enhance its presence in the premium spirits segment.
The acquisition underscores the immense value created by brands that successfully leverage modern marketing techniques and tap into specific consumer lifestyle aspirations. While official statements from both companies are pending, sources close to the negotiations suggest the deal is in its advanced stages, with an announcement expected soon.
This potential sale not only offers a substantial return for Au Vodka’s founders and early investors but also provides the brand with access to Southern Glazer’s extensive global distribution network, potentially catapulting Au Vodka’s reach into an even wider international market. The move is also indicative of a broader trend of consolidation in the spirits industry, where large players are keen to acquire innovative and fast-growing brands to maintain market relevance and capture new consumer segments.
