Remy Cointreau in exclusive talks to buy Scottish whisky maker Bruichladdich – domain

Remy Cointreau, the maker of Remy Martin cognac, is in exclusive talks to acquire Scottish whisky maker Bruichladdich Distillery, as the French spirits group looks to tap the growing demand for single malts in Asia.
 
Founded in 1881 by the Harvey brothers – William, John, and Robert – Bruichladdich (pronounced brooicladdi) is a renowned distiller of Premium Single Malt Scotch Whisky based on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, and is recognised for its high quality products.
 
After being closed since 1994, the distillery was acquired by a group of enthusiast consortium of 25 different investors in late 2000 and is currently the only independent distillery out of the nine located on Islay.
 
Bruichladdich whiskey generates revenue of around 11.9 million ($12.3 million) annually.
 
Remy Cointreau, formed through the 1991 merger between Rmy Martin and Cointreau, has been eyeing acquisitions in order to tap into the growing demand for spirits in Asia, especially China, Japan and Vietnam.
 
It is also flush with funds after net profit rising by 57 per cent to 110.8 million ($138.7 million) in 2011, from 70.5 million a year earlier, and from the recent sale of its champagne interests including the Piper Heidsick and Chales Heidsick brands to French holding company EPI for 412.2 million.
 
The Paris-based group – known for its expensive cognacs and liqueurs, is reportedly talking to Nashik-based Sula Vineyards and Baramati, Maharashtra-based Century Wines for producing brandies for the Indian market.