Patrick Ricard, who transformed a small firm based on his father's anis-flavored liquor into a global entity with some of the most famous names in alcohol, has died. He was 67.

The company, Pernod Ricard, said in a statement that he died on Friday.

Ricard's father founded the company in 1932 and developed pastis, beloved in France as an aperitif but relatively unknown outside the country. His son joined the company in 1967 and became chairman and CEO in 1978, turning Pernod Ricard into a global brand with the acquisition of some of the world's best-known liquors, including Absolut Vodka, Jameson Irish Whisky and Perrier-Jouet champagne.

Ricard, who was chairman of the board of directors, is survived by his wife and three children.