GLASGOW-based Scotch whisky distiller Edrington has struck a deal to sell the Cutty Sark brand to French spirits group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet.

Edrington, which has a portfolio including The Macallan and The Famous Grouse, said it would as part of the deal with La Martiniquaise-Bardinet continue to provide blending and bottling and associated services for Cutty Sark during a transition period. The sale price was not disclosed.

Completion of the transfer of Cutty Sark to La Martiniquaise-Bardinet is expected within a month.

Cutty Sark was put up for sale by Edrington in June. Edrington noted at that stage that Cutty Sark, blended and bottled at its Great Western Road operation in Glasgow, accounted for around 10 per cent of output at this site by volume.

Edrington noted yesterday that its association with the brand “stretches back to the 1930s”.

Chief executive Ian Curle said: “Cutty Sark is a great Scotch whisky and has been a worldwide whisky icon for the last 90 years. We are pleased to be transferring the brand to La Martiniquaise-Bardinet and know that it will thrive under their ownership.”

Jean-Pierre Cayard, president of La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, hailed the acquisition of Cutty Sark as a “major step forward” to accelerate the international expansion of the French group.

He added: “It will further strengthen our position in Europe and boost our presence in key markets such as the US and Japan.

“With Cutty Sark, we consolidate our position in Scotch whisky, entering in the world’s top-five groups.”

La Martiniquaise-Bardinet’s portfolio already includes the Sir Edward’s and Glen Moray Scotch whisky brands.