The Czech government has sold 59% of JAN BECHER, distiller of the liqueur Becherovka, to PERNOD RICARD for EUR 40 million, taking the French company's share to 95.7%. The transaction adds the final touch to the privatisation of the company (that started in 1997). PERNOD RICARD was already the leading wine and spirit company in continental Europe and the biggest investor in the drinks industry in Central and Eastern European Europe.