Article: Sweden launches auction process for maker of Absolut vodka

More than 20 potential bidders will be invited to submit offers for the maker of Absolut vodka, a person close to the planned sale of Vin & Sprit AB said Tuesday as the Swedish government began the auction process.

Some of the world's leading liquor companies, including Pernod Ricard SA, Bacardi Ltd., Diageo PLC and Fortune Brands, have publicly expressed interest in acquiring Vin & Sprit. The sale has been estimated at about 40 billion kronor (euro4.4 billion; US$6.3 billion).

Investor AB, the investment group controlled by Sweden's powerful Wallenberg family, has said it could make a bid for Vin & Sprit through its investment vehicle EQT.

Finland's ...

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