PERNOD SELLS EDRADOUR AND BWG

Published: 23 July, 2008

Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co Ltd has bought the Edradour Distillery, which claims to be Scotland's smallest and most unique distillery', from Pernod Ricard for 5.4 million. Established in 1825 by a farming co-operative, Edradour Distillery, which has been owned by Pernod Ricard for 20 years, produces whisky in the smallest licensed commercial still. Edradour makes eight casks a week, equivalent to 2,000 litres, or 240,000 bottles a year (as many as some of the larger distilleries produce in a week). The distillery attracts around 100,000 visitors annually and employs up to 19 staff in peak season. Andrew Symington, managing director of Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky, founded the company in August 1988. Based in Edinburgh, it now claims to be the second largest independent bottler of whisky and specialises in bottling rare and distinctive malt whiskies. Symington said: To buy Edradour is a dream come true. Over the years I have looked at a number of distilleries as they came on to the market, but Edradour is a perfect complement to the Signatory business. It is a very special and picturesque distillery, with excellent potential for brand development in the coming years. The large number of visitors also provides an excellent opportunity for direct interaction with customers,' he said. It is also a great pleasure to be bringing the distillery back into Scottish ownership.' * Pernod Ricard has also disposed of the last of its non-core' businesses - its British and Irish wholesale distribution business, BWG, to Electra for E220 million. As well as providing goods and services to the retail, licensed and catering trades, BWG also holds the franchise rights to various branded stores, including Bargain Booze in the UK and Spar in Ireland. The proceeds will be used to pay down borrowings incurred to purchase Seagram's wine and spirits businesses. * Glasgow's Lismore bar won the Laphroaig Malt Whisky Bar of the Year Award' at the Scottish Licensed Trade Awards, held earlier this month.

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