Business Wire/May 8, 2007/MIAMI -- Bacardi U.S.A., Inc., the import, sales, and marketing arm of one of the world's leading wine and spirits producers, today announced it signed a long-term lease for a new headquarters at a state-of-the-art office building currently being constructed in Coral Gables, Florida.

"All of us at Bacardi U.S.A. are thrilled. One of my priorities when I became president and chief executive officer of this growing company was to unite all 300 Bacardi U.S.A. employees into one facility to further strengthen our communications, cross-functionality and teamwork," said John P. Esposito, President and CEO of Bacardi U.S.A. "We look forward to becoming a more cohesive entity as currently our employees are spread throughout seven different buildings across South Florida."

Bacardi U.S.A. has called South Florida home for more than forty years. In those years, the company has grown significantly by the acquisitions of strong premium spirit brands by its parent company, Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world which produces and markets a variety of internationally-recognized spirits.

"Bacardi U.S.A. will continue to grow with new brands to import and market - making it critical we have one state-of-the-art facility as soon as possible where we all can work together, allowing us to better serve our great brands, loyal consumers and shareholders," added Esposito.

The 15-story, Mediterranean-styled building, which will be adorned with the Bacardi name, is located at 2701 Le Jeune Road in Coral Gables (corners of Le Jeune Road and Almeria Avenue). Bacardi is slated to utilize approximately 230,000 sq. ft of the 251,000 sq. ft. Class A office space building. The building is expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of 2008.

Bacardi is currently considering a variety of options for its properties at its Biscayne Boulevard complex, including the iconic blue and white tiled building.

From the May 23, 2007, Prepared Foods e-Flash