Remy Cointreau's possible acquisition of Scotch whisky producer Bruichladdich is strategically positive for the French firm, but unlikley to make a big difference to its bottom-line, an analyst has argued. 

Earlier today (9 July) Remy Cointreau announced that it is in "exclusive negotiations" with the privately-owned, Islay-based distiller. On news of the deal, analysts Bernstein Research said it sees "a lot of strategic upside" for Remy from such a deal.

"There would be instant incremental profit from putting Bruichladdich through Remy Cointreau's distribution network ... and no doubt Remy's marketing skills would help improve the average net revenue per case," Bernstein said in a note.

However, the analysts added: "It is difficult to see Bruichladdich making a huge difference to Remy Cointreau's bottom-line. Bruichladdich's 2011 sales of GBP8.7m (US$13.5m) would equate to approx 1% of group turnover in FY12."

Citing industry figures, Bernstein noted that Bruichladdich has a 0.3% share of the global malt market.

Bernstein also noted that there is "potential for conflict with Remy Cointreau's existing commercial partner Edrington, whose flagship brands are the Macallan and Highland Park single malts". 

But it added: "In theory, as an Islay malt, Bruichladdich could sit alongside these brands without major portfolio clashes." 

Bruichladdich is owned by specialist malt distillers Murray McDavid, who bought the company in 2000 for GBP6.5m (US$10.7m), and run by Mark Reynier.