Edrington, the owner of Highland Park, has announced the sale of two of its renowned blended Scotch whisky brands, The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt, to William Grant & Sons. The deal, made through Edrington’s subsidiary The 1887 Company Limited, is subject to regulatory approvals, including from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.

  • Brands Sold: Edrington is selling The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt to William Grant & Sons for an undisclosed amount.
  • Strategic Shift: The sale aligns with Edrington’s focus on ultra-premium spirit brands, allowing the company to concentrate on its core strengths.

Edrington’s Strategic Vision:

  • Scott McCroskie, CEO of Edrington, explained:
    “This decision is part of our strategy to hone in on growth opportunities in the ultra-premium spirits category. While The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt have been valuable parts of our portfolio, it’s the right time for us to exit the blended Scotch market and focus on our ultra-premium brands.”

    • Edrington has seen significant growth, with an 11% revenue increase in the year ending 31 March 2024, driven by the success of The Macallan, which remains the company’s core focus.

Future with William Grant & Sons:

  • William Grant & Sons expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating that The Famous Grouse, with its rich 125-year history, has immense potential for innovation and international expansion.
    “We look forward to building on the brand’s legacy and exploring new growth opportunities in various markets,” said a spokesperson for the company.

The Evolution of Naked Malt:

  • Naked Malt, previously known as Naked Grouse, underwent a rebrand in 2021 to make the whisky more accessible to a broader audience. This move was part of Edrington’s efforts to modernize the brand while staying true to its blended Scotch roots.

This sale marks a pivotal moment for Edrington, as the company refines its portfolio to concentrate on ultra-premium spirits, while The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt transition to a new chapter under William Grant & Sons, a company known for nurturing iconic Scotch whisky brands.