Mark Anthony Brands International has announced that it has purchased the remaining shares in Glendalough Distillery, which now gives the company complete ownership of the Irish craft spirits business.
The deal comes three years after the North American private beverage company took an initial 40% stake in the fast-growing distiller.
“As the pioneer of craft Irish whiskey and gin, Glendalough has quickly established itself as one of Ireland’s leading premium spirit brands," said Davin Nugent, chief executive, Mark Anthony Brands International.
Nugent highlighted the Glendalough portfolio presents a truly differentiated offering in both Irish Whiskey and Gin, which uniquely positions the company for significant success, not only in Ireland and North America but in many other international markets.
"As investors since 2016 we have witnessed at first hand the passion and hard work from our Glendalough colleagues in growing their business and we are delighted to now welcome them into the Mark Anthony family." He added.
Existing Management Team
The Glendalough business will continue to operate as a separate company from Mark Anthony Brands International under the leadership of the existing management team, headed by Barry Gallagher and Brian Fagan, who founded the company in 2011.
"They have always shared our vision for Glendalough and supported our efforts to grow the business," commented Brian Fagan, director, Glendalough referring to the deal.
"We are excited to now become full members of the Mark Anthony family and look forward to building the brand together."
The Mark Anthony Group is one of North America's 'most diversified and successful private beverage companies' focused on the alcohol beverage sector.
Irish Business
The company's Irish arm which was established in 2014, is led by Davin Nugent.
The purchase of Glendalough is the first spirit acquisition for Mark Anthony’s Irish business, but not its first move into the spirits category.
The Dublin-based team developed and launched White Claw Hard Seltzer, into the American market in 2016.
Distribution of the Glendalough portfolio for the Republic of Ireland was recently taken on by Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, with Mark Anthony Crafted Spirits distributing in the United States.
In total, Glendalough is now available in over 40 international markets.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
