IT is always worrying to see a Scottish company pass into foreign hands, but the offer from Remy Cointreau was too good for Bruichladdich shareholders to turn down.
This should not be seen as a doom and gloom story even if some whisky enthusiasts will bemoan the loss of an independent and recently quirky distillery.
Recent history suggests non-UK ownership of whisky brands can work. For example Pernod has been unafraid to invest in its Chivas Brothers operations while Glenmorangie appears to be thriving as a luxury brand under the patronage of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. Certainly Remy is making the right kind of noises so far with plans to keep Bruichladdich based on Islay and protect the current workforce.
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