Bacardi Ltd., the world?s biggest rum maker, yesterday offered to buy New Zealand vodka and gin producer 42 Below Ltd. for NZ$138 million ($91 million) in cash.

Bacardi offered 77 New Zealand cents a share for 42 Below, 35 percent more than yesterday?s closing price of 57 cents, the Auckland-based spirits maker said in a statement.

Founders and investors who own 53 percent of 42 Below plan to accept Bermuda-based Bacadi?s offer, they said in the statement.

?Bacardi is acquiring young premium brands in 42 Below.

?With substantial investment by our company, 42 Below brands show long term potential in the global spirits industry with a particular focus on the growing Asia Pacific markets,? said Andreas Gembler, chief executive of Bacardi Limited.

Bacardi, which has its headquarters on Pitts Bay Road, bought premium vodka brand Grey Goose last year.

The maker of the world leader in rum, Bacardi has been diversifying its brands in recent years, and also owns Martini & Rossi vermouth, Dewar?s Scotch whisky and Bombay Sapphire gin.