From craft Irish whiskey brands to established Bourbon producers, we take a look at some of the biggest whisky acquisitions that have taken place recently. Brindiamo Group assists with a wide variety of supplementary financial services to our clients, and we like to think of ourselves as a one-stop-shop for businesses operating in the alcoholic beverage space. One of the most important things we can provide is well-developed financial solutions. As reported in the Spirits Journal’s top 10 deals, we are proud to have assisted some of these companies in enhancing their portfolios with whisky acquisitions.

Sazerac and John Distilleries – Sazerac has entered the Indian whisky category by purchasing an equity stake in John Distilleries. The Buffalo Trace Bourbon producer acquired the shareholding from Gaja Capital, an independent private equity firm. The company remains “partially invested” in John Distilleries.

SPI Group and Kentucky Owl Bourbon – SPI Group marked its entry into the American whisky category when it bought Kentucky Owl Bourbon. SPI’s subsidiary Stoli Group USA took over national distribution, sales and marketing of the brand and said it would initially focus on expanding Kentucky Owl’s presence in southern US states.

Bacardi and Teeling Whisky – Bacardi made a move into Irish whiskey with the purchase of a minority share in The Teeling Whiskey Company. The Dublin-based firm will continue to lead and run the business and will operate independently and autonomously.

Remy Cointreau and Westland Distillery – In 2016, the Rémy Cointreau Group added two whiskies to its portfolio with the acquisition of Domaine des Hautes Glaces and Westland Distillery. Rémy Cointreau purchased Westland’s assets as part of plans to expand its portfolio in the single malt whisky category.

Pernord Richard and Glenallachie – Pernod Ricard’s Scotch whisky arm Chivas Brothers sold the Glenallachie Distillery to a team of investors.The deal also includes scotch whisky brands MacNair’s and White Heather. The company plans to launch a range of “premium quality yet affordable” whiskies as well as a range of aged expressions.

Moet Hennessy and Woodinville Whisky Company – Moët Hennessy made its first foray into the American whiskey category with the purchase of Washington-based Woodinville Whiskey Company (WWC).

Constellation Brands and High West Distillery – Constellation increases its premium focus in the US with the purchase of High West Distillery. Constellation is set to help fund the expansion of the distillery and add a second still capable of producing around 50,000 cases of whiskey a year.

Quintessential Brands/Stock Spirits and Dublin Whisky Company – Quintessential Brands acquired the Dublin Liberties Distillery Company. Following the deal, it was announced that Stock Spirits had purchased a 25% stake in the distillery, marking the Central and Eastern European group’s entry into Irish whiskey.

Constellation and Bardstown Bourbon Company – After purchasing craft whiskey producer High West Distillery, Constellation Brands continued its acquisition streak with the purchase of a minority stake in The Bardstown Bourbon Company. The deal is part of a wider strategy to focus on premium, high-margin, high-growth brands while building shareholder value, according to the firm.

Tahi Bev and Myanmar Distillery Company – Last month, Thai Beverage Public Company acquired a 75% stake in Myanmar Distillery Company, the producer of Grand Royal whisky. The deal includes a 75% stake in Myanmar Supply Chain and Service Co and Myanmar Distillery Company (MDC) from four third-party investors, including equity firm TPG.

[Source: The Spirit Business]