About

Founded in 1772, Grupo Osborne is a family-owned Spanish company is the second oldest business still active in Spain and is considered to be one the oldest businesses globally. The company initially gained fame through its sherry, brandy and wine products, but over the course of its history has diversified into other spirits, Iberian pork products and mineral water. As Grupo Osborne has diversified its product range and expanded internationally, it has needed the increasing support of an expert in-house legal team. Currently led by Paula Roman, legal manager, the team has been crucial part of the Group’s international expansion strategy. As part of this strategy, Grupo Osborne has entered into alliances across the globe, looking to expand its offering to its consumer base. In 2014, it acquired two major Brazilian brands in the premium cachaça sector, as well as one of the leading super-premium vodka brands in the country. This is an example of how the legal team was able to manage the deal using a blend of internal and external legal advice, while maintaining the exceptional reputation of the Osborne brand. The company’s brand identity has been at the core of its operations for a significant amount of time, hence the significant role the legal team plays in maintaining its image: the iconic “Osborne bull” logo is over 50 years old and has been a point of contention for many regulators that have sought to discourage the use of advertising to promote alcoholic beverages. The silhouette of the Iberian bull has become a symbol for a diverse range of things, including replacing the coat of arms in the centre of the la Rojigualda flag for some sports fans. Although Grupo Osborne is still family-owned, in 2014 the company received a historical investment from Fosun, a Chinese investment company, in return for a reported 20% stake in the Group’s operations. This investment signalled a change in strategy for Grupo Osborne, and helped cement its position in the important Chinese market as well as give it the capital for planned international acquisitions in the beverage sector.