Britain’s oldest wine & spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd, has announced that it has purchased a minority stake in The Cotswolds Distillery, a producer of super-premium spirits based in Stourton, Warwickshire.
The investment was part of the distillery’s successful “Cotswolds 2.0” funding round, which also included existing and new private investors and is aimed at increasing production and sales of its Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky.
International and Bristol-based law firm Osborne Clarke advised The Cotswold Distillery. The corporate team advising was led by associate director James Taylor and also included senior associate Hannah Stevens and associate Liam O'Connor.
Cotswolds recently opened a 2nd distillery on its 14-acre site dedicated to malt whisky production which makes it the largest producer of English Whisky. The brand is already the best-selling English whisky and has secured national listings in Waitrose, Sainsburys, Tesco, Majestic, Amazon & Ocado amongst others, and it is distributed in over 35 countries around the world.
The investment from Berry Bros. & Rudd will also fund the distillery’s ambitious development plans to boost its sustainability plans, including the building of a bio-diverse wetlands ecological treatment system and related landscaping works. The distillery is a top tourist attraction in the Cotswolds and has an annual footfall of over 100,000 visitors to its visitor centre and two satellite shops.
Cotswolds Distillery Founder Daniel Szor said: “We could not be more delighted with the results of our funding round, in particular our new partnership with Berry Brothers who like us stand for excellence in fine spirits, as we further build our brand through increased national and international distribution. It was great to work with James, Hannah and the rest of the Osborne Clarke team once again, and their expertise, diligence and support made for a smooth transaction process.”
James Taylor said: "Having worked with Daniel and his team for nearly a decade, we have been delighted to support them on their latest transaction. We look forward to continuing to working with The Cotswolds Distillery on future projects as they continue on their exciting growth journey."
Berry Bros. & Rudd is currently celebrating its 325th anniversary year. Emma Fox, CEO of Berry Bros. & Rudd will join the board of Cotswolds Distillery.
Cotswolds recently took home awards for Best English Single Malt at London’s World Whisky awards, adding to over 100 awards received globally for its whisky and gin portfolio.
Instagram: @cotswoldsdistillery Facebook: @cotswoldsdistillery Twitter: @cotswoldistill
Osborne Clarke is a go-to firm for many companies in the retail and consumer sector, acting for house-hold name retailers and in-demand brands while also working with fast-growth start-ups and market challengers. The international firm advises at every stage of company development and on everything from eCommerce, payments and brand, right through to employee and property issues, fulfilment, franchises and corporate governance and regulation across multiple jurisdictions.
