DWF advises Bladnoch Distillery Limited on landmark acquisition

The new company, Bladnoch Distillery Limited, is spearheaded by Australian entrepreneur David Prior with support from non-executiveGavin Hewitt, former chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association.

The DWF team, led by partners Gary MacDonald and Iain McLean with support from Grant Docherty on banking, tax partner Ronnie Brown and the firm’s employment, intellectual property, licensing and regulatory practices, advised Bladnoch Distillery Limited on the landmark deal.

Mr McLean, real estate partner at DWF, said: “We were pleased to support Bladnoch Distillery Limited on this deal which marks a significant moment for the distillery sector in Scotland.

“It brings new international investment into the region to regenerate the second oldest working Lowland distillery and creates a new brand for the global whisky market.”

Mr MacDonald, corporate partner at DWF, said: “There has been a good level of deals activity across the Scottish food and drink sector over the past couple of years, as investors look to invest in Scottish brands due to their quality and marketability.

“This deal is a great example of this. It introduces new blood into the whisky sector following a challenging period and provides a real boost for the sector in the Year of Food and Drink in Scotland.”

First established in 1817, Bladnoch enjoyed a reputation as a top Lowland Scotch Malt Whisky distillery. The purchase continues the recent resurgence of distilling in southern Scotland which will see the number of Lowland working malt distilleries increase from two distilleries ten years ago to eight following the reopening of Bladnoch.