Glasgow-based drinks company Edrington — owner of Scotch whisky brands The Macallan, Highland Park and The Famous Grouse — on Tuesday announced an agreement with Suntory Holdings under which Suntory will buy 10% of Edrington shares for an undisclosed sum.

Edrington said the investment by the Japanese beverage giant will provide “an inflow of funds” to Edrington’s principal shareholder The Robertson Trust “which will allow it to give more to good causes across Scotland” and will also “provide funds for Edrington’s employee share scheme.”

Edrington added: “This agreement builds on the already strong strategic partnership between Edrington and Suntory Holdings dating back to the early 1990s.

“Suntory has a long-term shareholding in The Macallan, the leading brand in Edrington’s portfolio and the most valuable Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the world.

“Suntory Holdings has also been an important distributor of Edrington brands in several key international markets over the past four decades, including Japan, Germany, Canada and South Africa; and through joint ventures in the UK, Spain and Russia.

“The agreement will provide an inflow of funds to Edrington’s principal shareholder, The Robertson Trust, which will allow it to give more to good causes across Scotland.

“The Robertson Trust is the largest independent grant-making Trust in Scotland with the vision of a fair and compassionate Scotland where everyone is valued and able to flourish.

“It will also provide funds for Edrington’s employee share scheme.”

Edrington CEO Scott McCroskie said: “Edrington has a successful long-standing strategic partnership with Suntory.

“We share a similar ethos and the same passion for craftsmanship, innovation and quality in our brands.

“We look forward to cementing and building this deep relationship over the coming years.”