A MORAY DISTILLERY has been the subject of a takeover by the United States company responsible for the world-famous Jack Daniels Whiskey brand.
The BenRiach Distillery Company is expected to come under the ownership of the Brown-Forman Corporation, who have agreed a purchase deal worth £285million.
As well as the BenRiach Distillery in Elgin, the purchase includes two other distillers – GlenDronach near Huntly and Glenglassaugh in Portsoy.
It is the second time the American firm has been involved in Scotland, having previously been a minor shareholder in Glenmorangie from 1992 until 2005.
BenRiach will continue to operate from its Edinburgh HQ as a subsidiary of their new owners if, as expected, the deal is concluded in June. Chief Executive of Brown-Forman, Paul Varga, said:
“The acquisition of these super premium brands will allow Brown-Forman to re-enter one of our industry’s most exciting and consistent growth segments, single malt Scotch whisky.
“The Glendronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh single malt brands are rich in history and we believe they will continue to prosper in our hands.”
BenRiach was purchased for just £8million just 11 years ago by investor Billy Walker and two partners in South Africa.