French drinks company Pernod Ricard has moved its Asian headquarters to Hong Kong after buying Seagram's spirits business.
The US$8.15 billion purchase - completed in December in partnership with drinks firm Diageo - boosts Pernod Ricard's presence in Asia with brands such as Martell and Chivas Regal.
Before the deal, Pernod Ricard's Asian headquarters was in Tokyo and Seagram had hubs in Hong Kong and Singapore.
'We came to the conclusion the three headquarters should be under one roof and the decision was made to relocate all headquarters to Hong Kong,' said Pernod Ricard Asia chairman Philippe Dreano.
Pernod Ricard believes its Asian arm will show strong growth after the acquisition of Seagram's brands. The region accounts for 10 per cent of sales volume.
'This changes the scope for business in Asia . . . because of the sales and distribution network which we have now, we have very strong muscle and brains in each country,' Mr Dreano said.