Campari Group has taken a 14.6% stake in the owner of single malt whiskies Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Tobermory for £69.6 million (AU$136 million).

South African holding company Capevin Holdings Proprietary Limited indirectly owns 100% of CVH Spirits Limited, a Scottish company operating in the production and commercialisation of single malt whiskies.

The whisky brands were previously owned by South African drinks group Distell, producer of Amarula liqueur. The whisky brands were previously owned by South African drinks group Distell, producer of Amarula liqueur. Capevin was formed after Heineken took over the business last year, when the Scotch brands were separated from the rest of Distell’s portfolio.

Campari Group also holds distribution rights for brands from CVH Spirits Limited portfolio in France and South Korea.

In accordance with Capevin Holdings Proprietary Limited’s memorandum of incorporation, Campari Group has exercised its right to appoint a board member and has additional governance rights to protect its minority position.

The purchase price paid amounted to GBP 69.6 million (corresponding to €82.6 million at the exchange rate of the transaction
date). The transaction was financed using available cash.

New managing director for Campari Australia