Thursday, June 06, 2019

LOCH LOMOND GROUP ACQUIRED BY ASIA BASED INVESTMENT FIRM

The Loch Lomond Group, has today announced that it has been acquired by the Asia based investment firm Hillhouse Capital, for an undisclosed sum.

The management team behind the company that produces Scotch whisky brands including Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia, have been partnering with the investment firm, to acquire the Loch Lomond Group from Exponent Private Equity.

Loch Lomond Group acquired by Asia based investment firm

Since the original buyout of Loch Lomond from the Bulloch family in 2014, the company has invested significantly in growing its portfolio of brands, distillery and bottling infrastructure, global distribution platform and management team.

The company’s production spans sites across Scotland. It operates its Loch Lomond malt and grain distilleries at Alexandria in Dunbartonshire, Glen Scotia distillery in Campbeltown, Argyll and has its own bottling plant in Catrine, Ayrshire.

Teaming up with Hillhouse offers a strong partner for the business to further develop its international presence, particularly in Asia where whisky has become increasingly popular in recent years, and a market where Hillhouse has deep knowledge and strong business relationships.

Commenting on the news, Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Over the past five years we are proud to have transformed The Loch Lomond Group into a premium international spirits business with a strong focus on innovation and a portfolio of award-winning brands. We believe now is the right time to move forward into the next stage of our growth strategy as we look to innovate further, extend our portfolio of brands and continue to expand our international presence, particularly in Asia where Hillhouse has significant experience.”

In 2018, Loch Lomond signed a five-year partnership with The R&A for the brand to become the official spirit of ‘The Open’ golf championship. The period includes the playing of the landmark 150th Open in 2021 at St Andrews, the home of golf.

Posted by Steve Rush