IPO on The Rocks

With that title, I guess I should be talking about Google's IPO woes. But that wouldn't really be a Vittles Vamp posting, now would it?

Instead, let us turn our attention towards Bacardi Ltd. After the spirits monolith gulped down Grey Goose this week, Wall Street is buzzing about whether or not an IPO might be shaking (or stirring) in the CEO's mind:

More and more Americans - from urban hipsters at posh lounges to clock-punchers hitting a happy hour - are asking for their libations by brand name alone. And that suits Bacardi Ltd. chairman Ruben Rodriguez just fine.

The closely held spirits giant just completed its takeover of vodka maker Grey Goose in a deal estimated at close to $2 billion. The acquisition adds to a well-known portfolio of brand names recognized globally, including Dewar's Scotch whiskey, Cazadores tequila, Martini & Rossi vermouth, Bombay gin, and the venerable Bacardi rum.

Rodriguez, the first executive to lead the company not related to the Bacardi family, also hopes Wall Street investors call their drinks by brand name. Analysts think the addition of Grey Goose to the zinger of a mix might boost the cachet enough to persuade the Bacardi family to pursue a much-talked about initial public offering.

Public offering...Public...Pub. Makes sense to me!*

*(Vittles Vamp does not endorse any stock or company investments - just food and drink ones.)