Edrington has struck a deal for the sale of the Cutty Sark Scotch whisky brand to La Martiniquaise-Bardinet. The deal is expected to be concluded within a month. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Cutty Sark was launched in 1923 and Edrington’s association with the brand stretches back to the 1930s.
Edrington Chief Executive Ian Curle said: “Cutty Sark is a great Scotch whisky and has been a worldwide whisky icon for the last 90 years. We are pleased to be transferring the brand to La Martiniquaise-Bardinet and know that it will thrive under their ownership. We wish them all the very best for the future with this great brand.”
La Martiniquaise-Bardinet President Jean-Pierre Cayard said: “We are proud to take ownership of this powerful brand. Cutty Sark perfectly complements our portfolio of international brands including Label 5, Sir Edward’s & Glen Moray Scotch whisky, Poliakov vodka, Porto Cruz and Negrita & Saint James rum.
“This acquisition is a major step forward to accelerate our international expansion. It will further strengthen our position in Europe and boost our presence in key markets such as the US and Japan. With Cutty Sark, we consolidate our position in Scotch whisky, entering in the world’s top five groups (according to The IWSR).”
As part of the deal, Edrington will continue to provide blending and bottling and other associated services during a transition period.
