Edinburgh-based specialist consumer brand investor Inverleith LLP has acquired a majority stake in craft gin and Scotch whisky company Eden Mill St Andrews.
The gin and whisky firm is embarking on the development of its carbon neutral single malt whisky distillery in St Andrews.
The investment will also enable Eden Mill St Andrews to expand its distribution in the UK and internationally.
Inverleith LLP’s partners are former Noble Group CEO Ben Thomson and former Glenmorangie CEO Paul Skipworth.
Other Inverleith portfolio investments include a prior majority stake in Artisanal Spirits Company, owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), and current majority stakes in Braham & Murray Good Hemp, Planet Organic, chocolate brand Montezuma’s and mountain sport brand Montane.
Eden Mill St Andrews managing director and founder Paul Miller said: “Having secured Inverleith LLP as the majority investor into the business, we will be able to realise our distillery ambition and unlock the potential of Eden Mill St Andrews as a premium craft gin and premium single malt scotch whisky here in the UK and overseas.
“We have been looking for an investor who shares our passion for the Eden Mill opportunity, who understands the uniqueness of the opportunity and is aligned to our vision.”
Eden Mill was advised in the transaction by Johnston Carmichael.
Following the investment, Miller will lead the business as managing director, supported by a new senior executive leadership team and a newly formed board of directors, which is in the process of being established.
Inverleith LLP managing partner Paul Skipworth said: ‘This is a fantastic addition to Inverleith’s portfolio of premium consumer brands.
“Having worked closely with the historic and acclaimed University of St Andrews to secure a site on its sustainability campus in St Andrews, the globally renowned ‘Home of Golf’, Eden Mill St Andrews has one of the most exciting futures within premium gin and whisky and we are delighted to be supporting the realisation of its vision.
“As a team, we have a long heritage in the development of premium spirits, both operationally and as investors, and we believe we will be a strong partner for Paul Miller and the wider Eden Mill team over the coming years.
“We admire the work that Eden Mill has done to date in developing high quality, great tasting gins and scotch whiskies and we look forward to helping the brand and its products achieve international success.”