Grupo Licores de Guatemala Strengthens European Strategy with Puerto de Indias Acquisition

Grupo Licores de Guatemala has taken a major step in its international expansion strategy with the acquisition of Puerto de Indias, strengthening its footprint in Spain and positioning itself more firmly within the European premium spirits market.

Grupo Licores Guatemala acquires Puerto de Indias in Spain

Grupo Licores de Guatemala (GLG), one of Central America’s largest producers and marketers of premium spirits, announced the acquisition of 100% of Puerto de Indias, the well-known Spanish gin brand based in Seville. The deal reinforces GLG’s strategic commitment to Spain and the broader European market.

The transaction was reached with U.S.-based investment fund H.I.G. Capital and is expected to close by the end of January 2026, subject to customary regulatory and contractual conditions. Although the financial terms were not disclosed, the acquisition represents a significant flow of Latin American capital into Europe within a highly competitive and consolidating sector.

A leading brand in a key European market

Founded in Seville, Puerto de Indias has established itself as a leader in Spain’s flavored gin segment, supported by product innovation, strong brand positioning, and a robust commercial network.

Under H.I.G. Capital’s ownership, the company underwent a professionalization and international expansion process, strengthening its operations and launching a modern industrial facility in Carmona (Seville).

The fund exits after seven years of management, following the refinancing of €30 million in debt and the consolidation of a platform for a new growth phase. H.I.G. had invested more than €100 million between 2018 and 2021 to acquire the majority of the group.

Industrial and commercial synergies for global growth

For Grupo Licores de Guatemala, the transaction goes beyond adding a new brand. The acquisition provides production capacity and distribution infrastructure in Europe, creating industrial and commercial synergies across its global portfolio.

“The agreement materializes our long-term vision and reinforces our commitment to Spain and Europe as strategic markets for global growth,” said Douglas Franco, Corporate CEO of the group, highlighting the company’s focus on sustainable international expansion built on brands with strong identity and long-term potential.

A buyer with proven global experience

The acquisition aligns with a growth strategy that Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala has been executing for more than two decades. Under the leadership of Roberto García Botrán, the group transformed local brands into global assets through industrial investments exceeding US$160 million and strategic partnerships, including its alliance with Diageo for the international distribution of Ron Zacapa.

Today, more than 90% of Zacapa’s sales are generated outside Central America, reflecting the group’s export-driven model and its ability to compete in sophisticated global markets. The company’s portfolio also includes Ron Botrán, Gin Xibal, Quezalteca, Venado, Mizata, and Petrov, among others.

A milestone for Central American internationalization

Beyond the spirits industry, the purchase of Puerto de Indias reflects a broader trend: Central American companies evolving from exporters into strategic acquirers in developed markets.

In this context, the deal strengthens GLG’s global positioning while reinforcing Central America’s emergence as a source of corporate capital with ambition, discipline, and international vision.

Strategic implications of the transaction

• The acquisition reshapes Grupo Licores de Guatemala’s competitive positioning in the European spirits market, one of the most mature, fragmented, and demanding globally.
• It enables a Latin American player to enter Europe with industrial scale, a leading brand, and proprietary production capacity—an uncommon move in a sector historically dominated by European and U.S. multinationals.
• Ownership of a modern facility in Carmona, an established commercial network, and deep consumer insight lowers structural entry barriers and provides an immediate operational platform to scale Puerto de Indias and gradually introduce other group brands across key European markets.

The operation was advised by Deloitte on the financial side, with Greenberg Traurig and Pérez-Llorca providing legal counsel to the buyer, and Cuatrecasas advising the seller.