Calon Segur family wanted properties to go to French company

The Capbern-Gasqueton family of Calon-Segur was 'reassured' that its properties would remain in French hands, its new owners said today.

The sale of 1855 third growth Chateau Calon Ségur, together with fellow Saint Estephe estate Chateau Capbern Gasqueton, has finally been confirmed.

The purchaser is the French insurance company Suravenir, a subsidiary of Credit Mutuel Arkea, which also owns Credit Mutuel Bretagne, Massif-Central and Sudouest.

Bordeaux wine group Videlot, owned by Jean-Francois Moueix and run by his son Jean Moueix, is confirmed as a minority shareholder in the purchase.

The sale was reportedly worth €200m, including the chateau’s stocks. The current technical team at the chateau, led by Vincent Millet, is expected to remain in place, although no formal announcements have been made.

The director of Arkea, Jean-Pierre Denis, will become head of the management board, and a new director of the chateau will be appointed to replace former owners Vicomte and Vicomtesse Alain de Baritault du Carpia, son-in-law and daughter of Denise Capbern-Gasqueton, who died last year.

Florence Eckenschwiller, spokesperson for Arkea, told Decanter.com the fact the insurance group was French, and partnering with a Bordeaux firm for this investment, reassured the Gasqueton family.

‘We are an insurance company which is based in Brittany, but has a strong network in southwest France, and through our banking arm have always worked in the real economy, supporting small businesses and staying away from investment funds.

‘The family was keen to find someone who would protect what they had achieved, and we intend to do this, and fully realise the potential of both properties. This is a long-term investment for us.’

Eckenschwiller confirmed that the Moueix involvement, although minority shareholders in the purchase, would offer an advisory role, drawing on the family’s long experience with luxury Bordeaux wines.

Written by Jane Anson in Bordeaux