French spirits major La Martiniquaise-Bardinet has taken a majority stake in the UK-based gin maker Warner’s Distillery.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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According to filings on Companies House, La Martiniquaise-Bardinet’s Glen Turner whisky business has been named a person with significant control of Warner’s.
The transaction is expected to “maximise the potential” of Warner’s spirits “in UK and global trade”, a joint statement said.
When asked about the group’s growth plans for the UK and oversees, co-founder Tina Warner told Just Drinks: “There are great opportunities to grow locally across the UK on and off trade and internationally capitalising on areas of white space in some of Europe’s bigger gin markets where we are currently not available.”
Following the deal, La Martiniquaise-Bardinet will takeover distribution of Warner’s drinks in the UK from Sazerac, she added.
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By GlobalDataSpeaking to this publication last year, co-founder Tom Warner said the company’s international focus was to be “more so” on the US.
Commenting on the acquisition, Christophe Pichambert, international director for La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, said: “We are very proud to see Warner’s Distillery join the LMB group of companies alongside our portfolio of internationally renowned brands.
“Warner’s Gin is a true gem of the English craft gin landscape with its farm-grown and distilled botanicals. Our goal will be to help Tom and Tina bring their wonderful spirit to the world, with respect for their pioneering spirit and exceptional passion.”
Warner’s was set up by husband-and-wife Tom and Tina Warner in 2012 at its Falls Farm in Northamptonshire in the English East Midlands.
The founders are expected to stay “at the helm of the business”, following the deal, the statement said.
The distillery and farm also “remains within the Warner’s family”, according to La Martinquaise-Bardinet.
Warner’s sells a range of gins, as well as a spiced rum and two non-alcoholic spirits. The company also produces a multi-spirits range under the name Trash & Treasure, which includes flavoured rums and vodkas.
It sells to 30 countries globally, including the US, Australia and UAE.
The move will see “a dynamic new brand” being added to La Martiniquaise-Bardinet’s portfolio, the statement said. Warner’s spirits will sit alongside the likes of Glen Moray and Cutty Sark whiskies and Bardinet Brandy.
Co-founder Tom Warner said: “This partnership allows us to stay true to our roots, creating incredible drinks with real purpose, while giving us the strength to scale that mission globally.”
