The brands and shares of its subsidiary that owns the manufacturing and bottling facility in Montreal, Quebec were purchased for $32.9 million, plus the value of inventory on hand at closing. The transaction is expected to close on October 31, 2011.

The brands include De Kuyper Geneva Gin, De Kuyper Peachtree Schnapps, Red Tassel Vodka and Silk Tassel Canadian Whisky.

A statement said: “On closing, all employees of the facility will be employed by Sazerac, and a number of Corby-owned brands will continue to be blended, bottled and warehoused in the facility through a contract manufacturing agreement entered into with Sazerac”.

Mark Brown, Sazerac president and chief executive officer added: "Canada has become an important market for Sazerac over the past decade and we are delighted to be able to further increase our presence in the market. We are particularly pleased at the prospect of being able to develop the De Kuyper brand inCanada.”

The majority of Corby's remaining brands will continue to be manufactured in the Hiram Walker & Sons facility located near Windsor, Ontario, which is managed by Corby on behalf of Pernod Ricard.