William Grant & Sons is set to acquire The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt from Edrington subsidiary, The 1887 Company, for an undisclosed sum.
Pending regulatory approval, the move will expand William Grant & Sons’ scotch portfolio, which already boasts Grant’s, Monkey Shoulder, Glenfiddich, and The Balvenie, and end Edrington’s presence in the blended scotch market, allowing it to focus solely on its premium single malts and other high-end spirits which includes The Macallan and Highland Park.
A spokesperson for William Grant & Sons said, “Having been around for over 125 years, The Famous Grouse has a rich history and would be a significant addition to our portfolio.
“The brand has potential for innovation and international growth in a number of markets, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”
Scott McCroskie, Edrington CEO said, “This decision is driven by our strategy to focus on our core strengths and the growth opportunities in the ultra-premium spirits category. We consider this the right moment for Edrington to exit the blended Scotch category and focus on our core portfolio of ultra-premium spirit brands.
“The Famous Grouse is a well-loved brand that has consistently performed in its category during the time it has been part of Edrington, and Naked Malt has grown its reputation. I am confident that these brands are well-positioned to continue to succeed as part of the William Grant & Sons portfolio.”
