Vranken-Pommery Monopole has announced that it is entering exclusive negotiations with Lanson-BCC for the sale of Heidsieck & Co Monopole, one of Champagne’s most historic houses.
The deal, to be carried out through Lanson-BCC’s subsidiary Maison Burtin, excludes all other assets of Vranken-Pommery Monopole and is expected to be finalized on October 1st, pending approval from the boards of directors of both groups.
A Historic Champagne House
Founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck, Heidsieck & Co Monopole has long been a name tied to prestige and tradition. Its wines graced royal courts, notably supplying the King of Prussia and the Emperor of Germany as early as 1818. With deep roots in Reims, the house has remained a symbol of Champagne heritage for more than two centuries.
Vranken-Pommery Monopole: A Group with Global Reach
Established in 1976 by Paul-François Vranken, Vranken-Pommery Monopole is today one of the leading names in French winemaking. The group manages 2,600 hectares of vineyards across Champagne, Provence, Camargue, and the Douro Valley. Its portfolio features prestigious Champagne brands, including Vranken, Pommery & Greno, Charles Lafitte, Pompadour, Bissinger & Co, and Heidsieck & Co Monopole itself. Sustainability, terroir expression, and environmental stewardship are central to its strategy.
Lanson-BCC: Consolidating Its Position
Lanson-BCC, founded in 1991, is a major player in the Champagne sector with a portfolio of eight houses: Champagne Lanson, Champagne Philipponnat, Champagne De Venoge, Champagne Besserat de Bellefon, Champagne Boizel, Maison Chanoine, Maison Burtin, and Domaine Alexandre Bonnet. The acquisition of Heidsieck & Co Monopole would further reinforce its role as one of the dominant forces in the Champagne market.
In its half-year 2025 report, Lanson-BCC posted an ordinary operating profit of EUR 10.9 million and a net profit of EUR 1.9 million. However, the results reflected ongoing challenges in the sector, including lower volumes, higher grape costs, and increased financing expenses. Despite these pressures, the group continues to emphasize its premium positioning strategy, which has helped support pricing and profitability.
Champagne Market Under Pressure
The negotiations take place against the backdrop of a challenging market environment. According to Comité Champagne (CIVC), total shipments in the first half of 2025 reached 105.4 million bottles, down 1.2% from the same period in 2024. France, representing 38.9% of total shipments, recorded a 5.2% decline, while exports—61.1% of total volumes—rose modestly by 1.6%, partly driven by precautionary buying in the United States amid trade uncertainties.
Lanson-BCC’s performance mirrored the overall market: French sales fell by 4%, while exports gained 0.7%. Still, the group’s premium strategy has allowed it to protect margins and reinforce brand value.
Outlook
The potential transfer of Heidsieck & Co Monopole marks an important strategic realignment for both Vranken-Pommery Monopole and Lanson-BCC. For Vranken-Pommery, it represents a streamlining of its portfolio to focus on other core assets and regions, while for Lanson-BCC, the acquisition could enhance its market share, consolidate its premium strategy, and strengthen its influence in Champagne’s competitive landscape.
If finalized, this deal will signal another chapter in Champagne’s evolving history—one that balances heritage with modern economic realities.
Source: WineNews