Mallya bidding for Scotland distillery?

18-02-2006 07:13

London, Feb 17 Is prominent Indian brewer-politician Vijay Mallya in the run to purchase Scotland-based Invergordon Distillery - Europe's largest grain distillery?

The distillery, on the Cromarty Firth in Ross-shire, was put up for sale by owner Whyte and Mackay for a price tag of nearly 200 million pounds.

Industry sources told IANS that Mallya's United Breweries, the world's second biggest distiller, was on the shortlist to purchase the distillery. Whyte and Mackay announced the sale in December 2005.

However, a company spokesman refused to comment on negotiations with potential buyers.

Invergordon Distillery, which employs 180 staff, was established in 1961 and is one of eight such grain distilleries in Scotland, and the only one in the Highlands.

Councillor John Connell told the local media: "The distillery has been very important to the town of Invergordon for a number of years and long may that continue, along with job security.

"There were redundancies in the past and I would sincerely hope that we will not see any further redundancies if changes are afoot."

United Breweries already has a strategic alliance with Scottish and Newcastle, one of the top 10 brewers in the world.

The alliance allows Scottish and Newcastle to market its international brands in India and United Breweries will utilise the former's global network to distribute its Kingfisher brand.

Scottish and Newcastle own a range of international beer brands, including Kronenbourg, Newcastle and Brown ale and have exclusive rights to the Fosters brand in Europe.