US drinks giant completes purchase of viral Au Vodka brand for £300m

US spirits giant Sazerac has bought Swansea-born Au Vodka — reportedly valuing the brand at about £300m — and plans to expand it globally.
Au became a viral hit for its distinctive gold bottles/cans, celebrity backing (DJ Charlie Sloth) and savvy social‑media marketing.
Founded by two friends from Swansea, the brand now employs 80+ people locally — a big success story for a homegrown start‑up.