Remy Cointreau to buy American single malt whiskey maker Westland Distillery

French spirits group Remy Cointreau, the maker of Remy Martin cognac, today struck a deal to buy American single malt whiskey maker Westland Distillery, in order to expand its portfolio of premium spirits.

Remy Cointreau, a producer of cognac, liqueurs and spirits, did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, which is expected to close before the end of the year.

With this acquisition, Rémy Cointreau said that it will expand its portfolio further into the fast growing high-end single malt whisky category.

Based in Seattle, Washington, Westland Distillery produces whiskey with a distinct American single malt style.

Westland boasts a portfolio of high-end single malts, with a price range of between $70 and $125.

Rémy Cointreau, known for its expensive cognacs and liqueurs, said, ''Westland's mission is to produce world-class American single malt whiskey. Rooted in one of the world's best possible climates for barley, Westland crafts a truly authentic single malt whiskey with a sense of place.''

''The distillery is firmly committed to pushing the category of single malt whiskey forward by utilising new varietals of barley and oak, exploring concepts such as terroir, and championing distinctiveness,'' it added.

The Rémy Cointreau Group, whose origins date back to 1724, is the result of the 1990 merger of the holding companies of the Hériard Dubreuil and Cointreau families, which controlled E. Rémy Martin & Cie SA and Cointreau & Cie SA respectively.

Rémy Cointreau has a portfolio of global, upmarket brands, including the Rémy Martin and Louis XIII cognacs, the Cointreau liqueur as well as the Metaxa, Mount Gay, St-Rémy, Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, Octomore and The Botanist spirits.

The Paris-based company has annual sales of €1.05 billion and employs around 1,800 people.