Innis & Gunn MD completes MBO

Innis & Gunn managing director Dougal Sharp has completed a management buyout of the company, acquiring independent distillers William Grant & Sons’ majority stake in the brewer. The purchase price has not been disclosed.

Sharp continues as managing director. His father, Russell Sharp, who founded the Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh, joins as a director.

Innis & Gunn, founded in 2003, markets a range of beers aged in spirits casks. The first, Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer, has won numerous awards and is now stocked by all major UK supermarket chains.

“We aim to set up an office in Edinburgh, we already have staff recruited, and we intend to continue to outsource the brewing and bottling of Innis & Gunn to Belhaven Brewery with whom we have worked for four years now and have an excellent relationship,” commented Dougal Sharp.

The MBO includes a provision for William Grant to continue providing oak maturation services for an undisclosed agreed period of time. Beer is matured is American white oak barrels for 77 days, infusing Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer with flavours and aromas including toffee, vanilla and citrus.

Innis & Gunn exports to six major markets – Canada, United States, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.