Drinks giant Halewood confirms acquisition speculation
Liverpool drinks giant Halewood Wines & Spirits today confirmed speculation that it could be an acquisition target, and the appointment of international business advisor Rothschild to look at the options.
The group, which owns the Crabbie’s, Lambrini, Red Square Vodka, Pogues Irish Whiskey, Whitley Neill gin and Liverpool gin brands, was responding to recent reports concerning the possible sale of the Huyton-based business.
A statement issued by the company this morning quoted chief executive Stewart Hainsworth saying that a potential sale is a natural progression in response to business growth.
Mr Hainsworth said: “I can confirm that Rothschild has been appointed to explore strategic options for the shareholders of Halewood Wines & Spirits.
“This is an exciting time for the business, which our management team have been working towards for three years.
“We have re-focused the business on artisanal spirits and craft beers, which has driven a significant upturn in profit.
“Our success has been driven by investment in equipment, acquisitions and marketing support and further fuelled by a high growth brand portfolio, which includes Whitley Neill, currently the number one premium gin brand by volume in UK Supermarkets.
“Whitley Neill’s success is being replicated internationally, as reported recently the brand has also broken into the US market.”
He added: “We are continually working towards delivering the best for our customers.
“Our investment in craft distilleries and breweries, including The City of London Distillery, Sadler’s Ales and Hawkshead Brewery, enables us to provide premium products with strong regional brands, in addition to offering consumer activation venues.
“Our discussions with Rothschild are a natural progression of the new strategy I brought to the business.
“We will be sharing further updates about this exciting journey in due course.”
The company was founded in 1978 by John Halewood, who died in October 2011.
Mr Hainsworth, a turnaround specialist, was appointed by the Halewood family in 2015.
In January this year the company announced a second year in the black when it managed to double profits, from £1.7m in 2016 to £3.9m in 2017, following a restructuring of the business.
This March it decided to sell its Romanian wine business, enabling it to further focus on its artisanal spirits and craft beer portfolio.
The group employs 1,000 staff globally, including 600 in the UK in total, and 520 people in the North West.
