The Russian SPI Group, the owner of Stolichnaya vodka may sell the brand after the distribution partnership with Pernod Ricard ends. Acquisition of Absolut vodka by Pernod Ricard on Monday is ending the current distribution partnership between Pernod and SPI. Pernod currently owns the global distribution rights of Stoli outside Russia and the company will continue to distribute Stoli until SPI can find the new distributor.

Pernod was in talk with SPI and Russian government for close to 3 years to buy the brand. Before the acquisition of V&S was finalized, Patrick Ricard from Pernod Ricard said “I don’t know we could distribute Stolichnaya and own Absolut because they are the same category.”

There is already a speculation that Bacardi and Fortune Brands (FO) are looking to buy Stoli after losing the bid to Pernod. Bruce Carbonari, CEO of Fortune Brands told Chicago Tribune “vodka is a very attractive category and Stolichnaya is a very attractive brand, but there are other brands that are attractive, not just in vodka.” He also added that the company is well positioned financially to make such a deal and will be looking at any upcoming opportunities closely.

Meanwhile, Fortune Brands has the U.S. distribution of Absolut until 2012. In order to avoid a pricey penalty to break up the joint venture Maxxium Worldwide between Absolut and Future Brand, Pernod Ricard will “honor the distribution contract.” Alain Barbet, CEO of Pernod Ricard USA did not specify the termination date on Stoli distribution

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