Did some more investigating...not "owned" by the same company, but close enough. Pernod-Ricard just acquired Absolut on March 31st, 2008 and only has U.S. distribution rights for Stolichnaya.
Correction is appreciated.
I wrote Pernod-Ricard the Reconquista ad and here is their reply:
“Thank you for contacting us regarding the Absolut ad from Mexico. Pernod Ricard is not yet the owner of Absolut and has no involvement in the management of the brand. The acquisition is expected to close this summer.
Nevertheless, we understand that this advertisement has caused offense and we have passed your comments on to V&S, the Swedish owner of Absolut. They have informed us that the ad in question was withdrawn on April 4 and will not be used again.
Please rest assured that your comments are valuable to us, and that we have taken note of them. Pernod Ricard has a strict internal code of ethics which all our advertisements are checked against.
As soon as Pernod Ricard becomes responsible for Absolut, we will integrate its advertising into our approval system.
Corporate Communications
Pernod Ricard USA”