INTERNATIONAL. William Grant & Sons, the independent distiller well known for its Scotch whisky, has acquired French brandy producer Raynal & Cie.
Raynal & Cie’s premium brandies Three Barrels and Raynal are strong in the UK and US markets respectively. In recent years Raynal has also begun to establish a presence in Eastern Europe and Asia. The global volume for these brands exceeds 530,000 cases and William Grant & Sons is “confident” that they have considerable growth potential.
William Grant & Sons Chief Executive Roland van Bommel said: “While the foundation of our business continues to be our great Scotch whisky brands, we are committed to expand into other categories through acquisition and new brand development.”
Raynal & Cie has a team of 56 people, led by the company’s president, Patrice Quatravaux.
Van Bommel outlined the company’s development plan: “In the coming months we will be working with Patrice and the Raynal & Cie management team to develop strategies for building the value of the business. To drive this project, Vincent Heavey will relinquish his responsibilities as Regional Director Southern Europe for up to six months, and go to Cognac to work alongside Patrice Quatravaux. Both will report to Tony Hunt. In this period Simon MacDonald will take direct responsibility for the markets in Vincent’s region.”
In recent years William Grant & Sons has acquired Gibson’s Canadian Whisky, and developed brands such as Hendrick’s Gin, Innis & Gunn, Monkey Shoulder and Reyka Vodka.
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