According to sources, the move is believed to be "part of a consolidation process" for Pernod Ricard in China.

据消息称，这项举动被认为是芝华士在中国‘巩固过程的一部分’。

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The French-owned firm, part of Pernod Ricard, wants to build on the site of the Imperial distillery near Carron, which has not been used for 14 years.

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Part of this is due to hopes that Diageo or Pernod-Ricard will make a bid for one or the other (or both) as a way to strengthen their position in the lucrative American whiskey market.

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