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Leonard Russell: “looking forward to developing the Tamdhu single malt following our successful growth of Glengoyne” |
UK. Independent Scotch whisky company Ian Macleod Distillers has completed the acquisition of Tamdhu distillery from The Edrington Group. The purchase was completed on June 28 for an undisclosed sum.
The Speyside distillery is capable of producing four million litres of alcohol per year, and the move is designed to support the growth of Ian Macleod’s blended Scotch whisky brands Isle of Skye, Lang’s and King Robert II.
As part of the deal Ian Macleod acquires the Tamdhu brand, which joins Glengoyne in the company’s burgeoning range of single malts. Ian Macleod said it planned to “significantly develop [sales of Tamdhu] both within the UK and abroad”.
Ian Macleod Distillers Managing Director Leonard Russell said: “Having purchased Glengoyne Distillery from Edrington in 2003, we are delighted to be acquiring a second distillery from them, safe in the knowledge that it has been maintained to a very high standard and comes with a reputation for producing exceptional quality single malt.
“I am also pleased that we will be securing and creating new local employment during these uncertain economic times. We are looking forward to developing the Tamdhu single malt, following our successful growth of Glengoyne.”
The Edrington Group CEO Ian Curle said: “Edrington and Ian Macleod have a good relationship stretching back many years, and we know the Tamdhu Distillery and brand will be in good hands. From Edrington’s perspective, the sale will further de-complex our business, allowing us to continue to focus on the growth of our five key brands: The Famous Grouse, The Macallan, Brugal, Cutty Sark and Highland Park.”
Since purchasing Glengoyne, Ian Macleod said it had more than doubled sales of the single malt, in addition to investing in maturation warehouses and upgrading facilities for visitors to the distillery, who now number nearly 50,000 per year. To drive UK sales of the brand the company is investing over £1 million in marketing over the next two years.
Ian Macleod Distillers recently announced a 22% increase in group turnover in 2010, with revenue reaching £31.9 million.
