Arent Fox Represents Real McCoy Spirits, Corp. In Deal With Constellation Brands

WASHINGTON, DC – Arent Fox LLP announced it represented artisan-rum maker Real McCoy Spirits, Corp., which operates as The Real McCoy, in a deal with global beverage leader Constellation Brands that is expected to expand The Real McCoy’s reach throughout the United States. The Real McCoy crafts a variety of three, five and 12-year-old rums that have won numerous awards worldwide.

In the transaction, Constellation Brands, a Fortune 500 company, purchased a minority stake in The Real McCoy, a company that has achieved acclaim for its copper-pot distilled, American bourbon barrel aged rum. Constellation and The Real McCoy also entered into a distribution agreement whereby Constellation will handle distribution for The Real McCoy throughout the United States and provide marketing and operations assistance.

“We are excited about working with Constellation Brands because they clearly understand the marketplace and know how to build brands from the ground up, while maintaining product integrity,” said Real McCoy Founder and CEO Bailey Proctor.

The Arent Fox team representing The Real McCoy was led by Jay L. Halpern, Michael T. Kelly, and Matthew Berlin, with assistance from Amal U. Dave and Loni J. Sherwin.

Mr. Halpern, who is annually recognized among the best transaction attorneys in the country by Legal 500 and Super Lawyers, advises public and private US companies and private-equity funds, as well as international and multinational corporations, in all stages of development and growth. He also counsels licensors, distributors, and franchise companies in industries including the beverage, food, and hospitality industries on growth-strategy options, including debt and equity financing, and strategic transactions.

Arent Fox has one of the leading Alcohol Beverage practices in the nation, with a team of more than 20 attorneys advising distributors, manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and retailers, as well as private equity and other substantial investors in the industry. The firm represents premier industry clients on a full spectrum of legal services, making the firm a one-stop shop for alcohol-related corporate and transactional, litigation, regulatory, and intellectual property needs.

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