Pernod Ricard Is Said to Begin IPO Process for India Unit

Pernod Ricard SA, the maker of Absolut vodka and Chivas Regal whisky, has begun work on a potential initial public offering of its Indian business, according to people familiar with the matter.

Pernod Ricard India Pvt. Ltd. has started initial preparation and is working closely with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. as well as the legal firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. The French distiller likely to select advisers and kick off the formal process soon, they added.