William Grant exits Innis & Gunn

MD, Dougal Sharp, has completed a management buyout of Innis & Gun, acquiring the majority stake of its joint venture partner, William Grant. The distiller formed the joint venture alongside Sharp in 2003 after hitting upon the idea of ageing beers in oak.

Following completion of the deal, William Grant will continue to provide oak maturation services to the brewer for an agreed period of time. The company will also continue to outsource the brewing and bottling of Innis & Gun to Belhaven Brewery. Sharp’s father, Russell Sharp, who founded the Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh, will join as director. Debt financing was provided by Bank of Scotland.

Fionnuala Synnott, 30/01/08