Thursday, April 28, 2016

BROWN-FORMAN TO ACQUIRE THE BENRIACH DISTILLERY COMPANY

Brown-Forman has announced the that it has reached a definitive agreement to buy The BenRiach Distillery Company, owners of The GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh single malt whisky brands, for an estimated £285 million.

In addition to its three distilleries, the deal will include the purchase of brand trademarks, a bottling plant and the company’s headquarters in Edinburgh.

Brown-Forman to acquire The BenRiach Distillery Company

The acquisition will allow the American drinks giant famous for its Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve brands, to re-enter the Scotch whisky market for the first time since 2005, when it sold its stake in Glenmorangie to Moet Hennessy.

Commenting on the news, Billy Walker, Managing Director of The BenRiach Distillery Company, said: “We feel immensely privileged to have been custodians of this business for the last 12 years, and to be associated with these wonderful brands and great distilleries. Our team have energized these distilleries and engaged creatively and successfully with the premium end of the market. We are very confident that Brown-Forman will take The GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh brands to the next level and fulfil their full potential, and prove to be worthy custodians of these historic distilleries.”

Subject to final approval which is expected on June 1st, the company which has a workforce of 165 employees, will operate as a subsidiary of Brown-Forman.

Posted by Steve Rush