Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds has sold his gin business to spirits giant Diageo for a reported $US610 million ($848 million).
Reynolds acquired a stake in Aviation American Gin in 2018 and has since helped grow the brand.
He will continue to hold a stake in the company under the Diageo deal.
“A little over two years ago, I became an owner of Aviation Gin because I love the taste of Aviation more than any other spirit,” Reynolds said in a statement following the sale.
“What I didn’t expect was the sheer creative joy learning a new industry would bring.”
Aviation Gin will join the likes of Tanqueray and Gordon’s gin in Diageo’s portfolio.
Although it is clearly a successful gin brand in its own right, for many of us, Aviation Gin is best-known for some hilarious, Ryan Reynolds-led marketing campaigns.
Amid the recent COVID-19 lockdown, Reynolds encouraged drinkers to stay home and avoid the regrets and anxiety that come with a night out.
He also enlisted the assistance of Aussie Hugh Jackman for a 2019 campaign.
