US spirits maker Sazerac launches takeover bid for Germany's Berentzen

Sept 21 (Reuters) - US spirits maker Sazerac on Monday launched a takeover offer for all shares of beverage firm Berentzen for €5.55 ($6.37) apiece, which is supported by Berentzen's supervisory and executive boards. 

The German schnapps maker confirmed talks over a potential takeover by privately held Sazerac on Thursday. The Louisville, Kentucky-based company has been focused on buying young brands and underperforming labels from large conglomerates to expand beyond its domestic market.

On Friday, Berentzen closed at €4.53 per share. The company is to be delisted following the acquisition, which Sazerac expects to close during the fourth quarter.

($1 = 0.8715 euros)

(Reporting by Tristan Veyet in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)