Former Swansea City ballboy who was once kicked by Hazard set to sell his vodka empire for £500million
Au Vodka, which reportedly sells more than 35,000 bottles of its premium spirit each day, is at the centre of takeover talks with drinks giant Sazerac.
The Swansea-based brand is currently headquartered in a striking gold-themed facility featuring a gold exterior, ceiling, café and signage, all designed to reflect its signature gold bottles.
Announcing the new headquarters on LinkedIn, co-founder Charlie Morgan reflected on the company’s rapid growth from a small 250 sq ft office.
“Introducing….. The new Au Vodka HQ.
“We spent four years in our first office which was only 250 sq ft and only just fit myself, Jackson Quinn and Jordan Major (who was just 16 and packing orders!).
“We spent 5 years in a industrial unit in Swansea, where we grew the business exponentially and the team to 96 people, which we added a new mezzanine floor to house more people four times.
“Today we’ve moved into our new home – A fully gold HQ which really represents Au and what we stand for.”
The brand has attracted backing and attention from several high-profile celebrities, including Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho and former American boxer Floyd Mayweather.
Fans have also congratulated Morgan on the new headquarters, with one praising the entrepreneur for remaining “true” to Swansea rather than relocating the business elsewhere.
Reports indicate that negotiations between Au Vodka and Sazerac have been ongoing for several months, with an agreement said to be nearing completion.
Sazerac is reportedly looking to strengthen its presence in the British market. The company is understood to be working with law firm Forsey, while Au Vodka is being advised by DLA Piper.
The deal could reportedly see each of Au Vodka’s founders receive around £100 million, although the founders may retain roles within the company following a potential takeover.
Former Chelsea and Belgium star Eden Hazard also appears to have maintained a close relationship with Morgan. The pair reunited two years ago for a promotional campaign that attracted significant attention from football fans.
Hazard shared photographs of the pair on social media while holding a glass of blue raspberry Au Vodka.
“A nice thing about retirement is catching up with old friends. You have come a long way in 11 years my friend @charliem0rgan, @auvodka x @hazardeden10,” he wrote on X.
He also posted additional images of the pair studying a chessboard featuring several Au Vodka bottles.
