Highland Distillers owner sells two whisky brands

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Edrington Group, owner of Scotch whisky producer Highland Distillers, has sold two of its whisky brands to rival supplier Burn Stewart

The deal concerns Bunnahabhain malt whisky and the blend Black Bottle, and also includes the Bunnahabhain distillery on Islay.

Edrington said the divestment was consistent with its plan to focus on its core brands Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, The Macallan and Highland Park. Chairman and ceo Ian Good said: "We are convinced that our future success will come from focusing even more on our strengths. That means targeting our marketing efforts on those areas of the business where we are establishing significant market positions, which will lead to greater growth."

Burn Stewart, whose leading brand is Scottish Leader blended whisky, was taken over by Caribbean-based liquor company CL Financial earlier this year. CL Financial is the owner of Angostura, the rum and bitters manufacturer.