BI and Michael Spencer acquire 25% stake in Battersea’s Gilpin’s gin

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 28 September, 2017

Fine wine and rare spirits merchant BI, and its chairman, Michael Spencer, have acquired a joint 25% stake in Westmorland Spirits, the owner of London-based premium gin brand, Gilpin’s.

The investment will provide Westmorland Spirits with funds for its sales and marketing activity and the development of new products for the premium spirits market.

Westmorland will also use BI’s global distribution centre in London to accelerate Gilpin’s sales and exports, the company said.

Gilpin’s distillery is based in Battersea, and is stocked in a variety of high-end bars and restaurants, including Ivy Restaurants, Hix Soho, Sexy Fish and Duke’s Hotel Bar.

Businessman Spencer, who is also group CEO of risk aversion consultancy, NEX Group, acquired his stake through IPGL, his private investment group.

Matthew Gilpin, director of Westmorland Spirits Ltd and the creator of Gilpin’s said: "This partnership opens up several doors for us in the UK, marketing to wine and spirits connoisseurs as well as the high-end on trade. BI Wines & Spirits already sell the finest wines to the best hotels and bars and we are delighted to join that stable. Furthermore, BI’s significant Asia presence will bring our products to a market brimming with interest and potential.”

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