Bacardi Ltd. yesterday announced that it had won agreement from shareholders of 42 Below for its $91 million cash purchase of the New Zealand premium vodka maker.

"Bacardi is thrilled to welcome 42 Below's young and innovative brands into our global portfolio of premium products," said Andreas Gembler, president and chief executive officer of Bacardi. "With substantial investment, time and nurturing, these brands show long-term potential in the global spirits industry, especially in the growing Asia-Pacific region."

42 Below vodka was launched in 1998 in the premium vodka segment and has shown strong volume growth in the last few years, a statement said, adding that the vodka had scored a grand slam clean sweep in 2006 with gold at all four of the world's leading spirit competitions.

Bacardi also gets a brand which has become well known for its edgy advertising campaigns, including the ad pictured, which was run after Rolling Stones star Keith Richards fell out of a coconut tree in Fiji.

Mr. Gembler said: The team's passion with regard to their brands and clever strategy have made these fine products a New Zealand success story and will ensure 42 BELOW maintains the New Zealand authenticity which has helped make it a hit."

Bacardi is acquiring the 42 Below brands of 42 Below Vodka, including four flavoured vodkas ? Manuka Honey, Kiwifruit, Feijoa and Passionfruit ? and the newly developed products of South Gin, Stil Vodka, Seven Tiki White Rum, Tahiti Dark Rum and 420 spring water.

Having reached shareholder acceptance of 90 percent of shares of 42 Below Limited under its takeover offer, Bacardi intends to begin compulsory acquisition of the shares for which it does not receive acceptances by December 15, 2006. Bacardi's all-cash offer was for US$91 million (NZ$138 million).

The purchase of 42 Below increases Bacardi's stable of premium vodka brands, one of the fastest growing segments of the spirits business.

It bought Grey Goose premium vodka in 2005 and also owns the Bombay Sapphire premium brand.

In a statement in September, Bacardi said it planned to increase investment in 42 Below and aimed to build its market share in the Asia Pacific market, generally considered to be the fastest-growing region in the world as China leads a sustained economic boom.

In addition to Bacardi rums, the company also owns Martini & Rossi vermouth, the world leader in vermouth, Dewar's Scotch whisky, the number one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; and Cazadores blue agave tequila, the top selling 100 percent blue agave tequila worldwide.