Highland Distillers acquires The Glenrothes

Highland Distillers Limited, a subsidiary of international premium spirits firm Edrington, has purchased of The Glenrothes Speyside Single Malt Scotch whisky from Berry Bros. & Rudd Limited, Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, means that Edrington has added The Glenrothes to an already impressive line-up of world renowned premium spirits brands, which includes The Macallan and Highland Park.

The deal also means a reunion between the brand and the drinks giant and the Glenrothes distillery and cooperage, which have been owned and run by Edrington via Highland Distillers since 1887.

Berry Bros & Rudd had distributed in The Glenrothes in international markets since 1995 before owning the the brand outright after a purchase from Highland Distillers in 2010.

Martin Cooke, General Counsel and Company Secretary at Edrington said: “Brian and his team at MMS brought their usual commercial, no nonsense approach to this deal and, coupled with their in-depth knowledge of our business and the drinks sector, helped us to bring this deal to completion quickly, smoothly and with minimum fuss.”

Scottish law firm Maclay Murray & Spens, who are currently advising on the merger of Standard Life plc and Aberdeen Asset Management, acted for Highland Distillers in the transaction.

MMS’ lead Corporate Partner on the deal Brian Moore said: “We are very pleased to have worked with the Highland Distillers team on the acquisition of this well-loved premium Single Malt Scotch whisky brand Our long association with Edrington has included advising on all of its M&A deals over the last thirty or so years, and it is a great privilege to be able once again to assist such an internationally renowned business as it continues to build its premium brand portfolio.”