Suntory acquires 10% stake in The Macallan owner Edrington

Japanese spirits company Suntory has secured a deal to purchase a 10% stake in Scotland-based Edrington for an undisclosed sum.

The agreement builds on a partnership between the companies that dates back to the early 1990s.

Suntory has a long-term shareholding in The Macallan, the leading brand in Edrington’s portfolio, which also consists of The Famous Grouse, Highland Park and Brugal.

In the past four decades, Suntory has been a distributor of Edrington brands in several markets, including Japan, Germany, Canada and South Africa; and through joint ventures in the UK, Spain and Russia.

The agreement will provide an inflow of funds to Edrington’s principal shareholder, The Robertson Trust, the largest independent grant-making trust in Scotland.

Funds will also go towards Edrington’s employee share scheme.

“Edrington has a successful long-standing strategic partnership with Suntory,” said Scott McCroskie, Edrington CEO. 

“We share a similar ethos and the same passion for craftsmanship, innovation and quality in our brands. We look forward to cementing and building this deep relationship over the coming years.”

Suntory owns brands such as Jim Beam, Canadian Club, Lucozade and Orangina.