The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has on Thursday cleared the anticipated acquisition by William Grant & Sons Group of The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and affiliated brands from Edrington.
The competition watchdog has launched an investigation into the deal in January. William Grant & Sons will buy the brands from The 1887 Company, a subsidiary of Edrington.
Welcoming the CMA approval, Søren Hagh, chief executive of William Grant & Sons, said: “This is an important moment for William Grant & Sons. The acquisition of The Famous Grouse, when completed, will further demonstrate our significant commitment to building category momentum in Scotch Whisky in the UK and in our markets globally.”
Edrington and William Grant & Sons reached an agreement for the sale of the brands in September last year.
Founded in 1896 in Perthshire, Scotland, The Famous Grouse is a much-loved blended whisky brand that would add to William Grant & Sons’ portfolio of renowned whiskies and spirits, that includes Glenfiddich, Grant's, The Balvenie, and Hendrick's Gin, among others.
Completion of the acquisition remains subject to customary regulatory approval in certain other countries.
