MILAN, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Campari Chief

Executive Simon Hunt on Friday ruled out acquisitions in the

short term for the Italian spirits maker and said he was focused

instead on cutting the group's debt.

With a portfolio of more than 70 brands built over the years

through a string of acquisitions, Campari has plenty of options

to drive revenue growth, said Hunt, who took the top job in

January.

Alongside the eponymous Campari brand, the group owns names

such as Wild Turkey bourbon and Espolon tequila.

In an interview with Reuters at the group's headquarters on

the outskirts of Milan, Hunt said he aimed to bring the leverage

ratio down to around 2.5 times earnings before interest, tax,

depreciation and amortisation, from 2.9 times EBITDA at present,

a target that could be achieved partly through the disposal of

smaller brands.

"I want to get it down as quickly as possible. That, then,

gives us options and we'll look at... M&A, but it will be

selective," Hunt said.

"We are not in a hurry and the reason I say that is we have

so many opportunities within the existing portfolio," said the

CEO, citing as an example the future growth potential in the

United States for Aperol, the group's signature orange aperitif.

Hunt spoke to Reuters after Campari, which is majority owned

by Italy's Garavoglia family, held an investor day, outlining

its long-term strategy without providing new financial targets.

The group has confirmed ambitions to return to mid-to-high

single-digit revenue growth over the medium term. Hunt declined

to provide a more precise timing, citing "a huge degree of

volatility outside of our control."

Hunt said Campari, with its Aperol aperitif and

non-alcoholic drink Crodino, was well placed to benefit from new

consumer trends favouring earlier-day drinking occasions and

lower-alcohol options.