Beringer Blass and the world’s second largest barrel maker, Francois Freres, has established a joint venture to purchase on a 51%:49% basis the Adelaide-based cooperage AP John, valuing the company at A$16.27 million. Francois Freres will supply its French oak, while its existing suppliers will continue to provide American oak. AP John should more than double its sales in Australasia to 37,000 units each year.



