In the chalk quarries of Reims, the announcement came as a shock: in financial difficulty, the prestigious Maison Pommery et Associés has opened exclusive negotiations with the German group Henkell International, a behemoth of sparkling wines. Behind this possible passage under a foreign flag hides an actor already omnipresent in our bubbles. But who is Henkell really?
Announced on June 2, 2026, this project provides for two months of exclusive discussions at the end of which Henkell could become a majority shareholder of Maison Pommery. Highly indebted, the Champagne group displays 754.4 million euros in net financial debt at the end of 2025, postponed its general meeting until June 30 and sold Heidsieck et Co Monopole to Lanson-BCC for 50 million euros.
Henkell Pommery: a strategic merger still uncertain
In a press release, the Reims house speaks of an agreement with a view to a , indicates Maison Pommery in a text cited by Terre de Vins. It also warns: the operation remains subject to financial audits and the green light from the authorities.
The house nevertheless highlights the advantages of the project: , underlines Maison Pommery. The group controls 2,600 hectares between Champagne, Provence, Camargue and the Douro valley, and markets, for example, Vranken, Pommery and Greno or Charles Lafitte champagnes.
Who is Henkell, world leader in sparkling wines?
Of German origin, the Henkell group is headquartered in Wiesbaden and has risen to the rank of world leader in sparkling wines. After its merger with the Spanish Freixenet, it achieved 1.25 billion euros in turnover and sold hundreds of millions of bottles of cava, prosecco, sekt or other bubbles each year throughout the world, relying on the financial power of the Oetker family galaxy.
Its strategy is based on a house of brands, where each type of bubble has its standard:
- Freixenet for the best-selling Spanish cava;
- Mionetto for the prosecco;
- Henkell for sekt, German sparkling wine.
Henkell is already present in France via Freixenet Gratien, owner of Gratien et Meyer in Saumur and the Alfred Gratien champagne house in Épernay.
What the arrival of Henkell would change for the Pommery house
Founded in 1836 and purchased from LVMH in 2002 by Vranken Monopole, renamed Maison Pommery in January 2026, the Reims house embodies a historic name in champagne with vintages distributed throughout the world.
Until now, Henkell only owned the Alfred Gratien house in Champagne, with a more confidential style; the acquisition of Pommery would give it a major player in luxury, while the company ensures that it will continue its activity.
Who is Henkell?
A German group, world leader in sparkling wines.
What is Maison Pommery experiencing?
A tense financial situation, with 754.4 million euros of net debt.
Has the takeover by Henkell been confirmed?
No, the exclusive negotiations have only just begun.
