The deal, which was first announced in September 2024, also sees William Grant & Sons acquire the Naked Malt brand from The 1887 Company, a subsidiary of spirits wholesaler Edrington.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an enquiry into the deal in January 2025, but it was cleared ahead of its 27 March Phase 1 decision deadline.
Now the deal has been completed, The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt join the William Grant & Sons portfolio of brands that includes Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder.
The Famous Grouse is Scotland’s best-selling whisky and one of the top-selling Scotch whisky brands worldwide, while William Grant & Sons believes that Naked Malt has significant growth potential within the blended malt segment.
The has put a dedicated team in place to ensure a smooth transition from The 1887 Company, while maintaining continuity for customers and consumers during this period.
Commenting on the deal’s completion, William Grant & Sons chief executive Søren Hagh said: “I am delighted to complete this acquisition and welcome The Famous Grouse into our portfolio. It is a remarkable Scottish brand with rich history and a strong market position in a number of countries.
“Over the coming years, we will build on this strong foundation and work to evolve the brand into a true global icon. We also see a lot of potential in Naked Malt, which will be a great addition to our portfolio. Together, these brands perfectly complement our vision for growth, and we look forward to investing in their future and sharing their stories with whisky lovers around the world.”
Speaking when the deal was announced last year, Edrington CEO Scott McCroskie added: “We consider this the right moment for Edrington to exit the blended Scotch category and focus on our core portfolio of ultra-premium spirit brands.
“The Famous Grouse is a well-loved brand that has consistently performed in its category during the time it has been part of Edrington, and Naked Malt has grown its reputation. I am confident that these brands are well-positioned to continue to succeed as part of the William Grant & Sons portfolio.”
