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William Grant & Sons (WG&S) has completed the acquisition of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands from The 1887 Company, a move that enhances its presence in the Scotch whisky category. This acquisition includes all variants of The Famous Grouse, such as The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, Sherry Cask Finish, Ruby Cask and The Famous One, alongside Naked Malt.

The acquisition received all necessary regulatory approvals, including clearance from the UK Competition & Markets Authority, by March 31 2025. This strategic expansion is expected to bolster WG&S's position in the global spirits market, complementing its existing portfolio, which features renowned brands like Glenfiddich and Hendrick’s Gin.

Søren Hagh, CEO of WG&S, highlighted the historical significance of The Famous Grouse, which was first launched in 1896 by Matthew Gloag III. The brand has become synonymous with quality Scotch whisky, selling approximately 2.7 million 9-litre cases globally each year.

Notably, around 45% of these sales occur in the UK, more than doubling WG&S's UK business volume. The top five markets for The Famous Grouse by volume in 2023 include the UK, Sweden, Poland, the US and the Netherlands, alongside a strong presence in global travel retail.

Naked Malt, which has gained traction particularly in the Asia Pacific region, sells around 50,000 9-litre cases annually, with its leading markets being Taiwan and South Korea. This brand's innovative approach to blending and maturation positions it well for future growth in the competitive blended malt segment.

The Famous Grouse's heritage is further underscored by its long-standing relationship with Scottish Rugby, serving as the official whisky partner for Scotland Men and Women until at least 2026. Additionally, the brand has been recognised with a Royal Warrant, granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984 and renewed by King Charles III in December 2024.

This acquisition not only marks a pivotal moment for WG&S but also aligns with broader trends in the spirits industry, where consolidation and expansion into premium offerings are increasingly prevalent.