After months of speculation, a buyer for Scotch whisky producer Whyte & Mackay finally emerged today (9 May). Philippines-based Emperador Inc has agreed to acquire the business from Diageo-controlled United Spirits for GBP430m (US$729m). Here, just-drinks offers a more detailed look at Emperador:
- The company is a subsidiary of one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, Alliance Global Group Inc. Alliance, which acquired Emperador in 2007, has interests in food, beverages, real estate and fast-food restaurants. The company is operated by Filipino-Chinese billionaire Andrew Tan, who is also chairman of Emperador.
- Emperador, based in Makati City, is best-known for its namesake brandy. It is the world’s biggest selling brandy. The group also produces Generoso Brandy and Emperador Light. The unit sells flavoured vodka, gin,and Tequila under The BaR brand name, according to Bloomberg. The firm distributes Ernest & Julio Gallo wines and Pik-Nik potato snacks.
- In February this year, Emperador acquired Jerez, Spain-based brandy producer San Bruno, from Gonzales Byass.
- The company has previously done business with Diageo, having acquired a production facility from the Philippines arm of the Smirnoff producer in May 2012.
- Emperador also operates in wine, through its Spanish subsidiary Grupo Emperador Spain. In October, the company added to its assets by acquiring 409 hectares of vineyards in Madrid. Its wines are sold in a number of Asian markets, including Vietnam.
- In its last set of full-year results, announced last month, Emperador reported a 16.6% rise in net profits to PHP5.83bn (US$132.4m). Sales climbed by 26% to PHP28.8bn.
- Emperador has around 1,200 employees.
- Tan today described Whyte & Mackay as a “prized asset” that forms part of Emperador’s plans to grow its portfolio. He added: “Whyte & Mackay has a global distribution network in over 50 countries that Emperador Brandy will have access to.”
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