Tito’s Handmade Vodka Expands With First Acquisition: LALO Tequila

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in LALO Tequila, marking the vodka company’s first strategic acquisition.

The deal, announced Tuesday, will expand Tito’s portfolio to include the fast-growing tequila brand, which was co-founded in 2019 by Eduardo “Lalo” González, David “R” Carballido and Jim McDermott. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Tito’s said the partnership will provide LALO with additional sales resources and a broader distribution network. González will continue to oversee production in Jalisco, Mexico.

“My late father is the namesake of this brand, and I know he would be proud to see how far we’ve come,” González said in a news release. “This moment is a natural continuation of our journey, and we’re excited to introduce LALO to more people across the world while preserving every element that makes us special.”

Founded in Austin in the mid-1990s by Bert “Tito” Beveridge, Tito’s Handmade Vodka built its reputation as Texas’ first legal distillery. LALO Tequila produces a blanco tequila made with Highland agave, deep well water and champagne yeast.

Its products have earned critical acclaim, with its baseline Blanco tequila earning a Critics’ Score of 90 on The Daily Pour and its high-proof expressions earning scores of 88 and 90.

Tito Beveridge, founder of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, said the companies share a similar approach.

“At Tito’s, we’ve always said if you’re going to do something, do it well,” the brand said. “I’ve known the LALO founders for a long time. They care about the juice. They keep it simple. They do things the right way, not the flashy way. That felt like home to us.”

The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. It is expected to close in the near future, according to the brands.

“Tito has been a close friend in Austin for years and has deeply influenced the way we approach what we do. Our two companies are stronger together and we’re excited to continue this journey with the full support of a company that understands what it means to grow with a singular focus,” McDermott said.