As a masterclass in negotiation, Jay-Z has walked away with a major payday after a public dispute over the mismanagement of the D’Usse brand. After offering to buy out the brand for $1.5 billion and receiving a counteroffer of $500 million to purchase his stake in the JV, Bacardi reached an agreement to add another $250 million to their offer and buy out the majority of Jay-Z’s 50% stake in the Cognac company. Even more, Jay-Z will retain “a significant ownership stake” through his company, SCLiquor.
Jay-Z has been accredited with taking the D’Usse brand from zero to one of the fastest-growing brands globally.
“Growing D’Usse over the past decade from an idea to one of the fastest-selling spirits in history has been a blessing. The next phase of this journey will further cement D’Usse’s legacy as one of the world’s most respected brands. I am excited to renew this partnership with Bacardi.”