G&J Greenall sold by De Vere group

Published: 08 August, 2011

Distiller G&J Greenall has been sold by the De Vere Group, in a deal reportedly worth £7.5 million.

The sale takes the form of a management buy-in, buy-out. Christian Rose, current chief executive, represents the buy-in investment, while Enzo Visone and Warren Scott are the outside investors.

Visone, non-executive chairman of the newly-formed G&J Greenall Group, has 25 years experience in the spirits industry and was previously chief executive of the Campari group.

Scott, non-executive director at G&J Greenall Group is a chartered accountant and has worked in investment banking for nearly 25 years.

The Warrington distiller, which celebrates 250 years of continuous distilling in 2011, produces over 50% of the UK's own label gin and vodka plus super premium branded gins and vodka including the number two mainstream branded gin in the market. Total sales in the year to the end of December 2010 were £50m.

A core business focus will be the strengthening of the branded portfolio, which includes Greenalls gin alongside recent launches of Bloom and Berkeley Square.

The new ownership comes following the recent successful launch of the portfolio into the US market.

Christian Rose, chief executive, said: "Never before have we been more focussed on our branded portfolio of products alongside our third party bulk and bottling contracts.

"The move is intended to strengthen the position of G&J Greenall as one of the UK's leading distillers of quality spirits and indeed, the future of the entire business overall. We will be working closely with the current management and new investors to continue our recent growth and capitalize on our innovations in both the on and off trade."

Printer friendly version