Investment group Kliro Capital Partners has acquired UK-based spirits brand owner and distributor Intercontinental Brands.
The transaction, for an undisclosed sum, represents a return to the drinks industry for Warren Scott, who set up Kliro after co-founding Quintessential Brands 12 years ago and leading the Greenall’s Gin and Alize liqueur brand owner until 2020. ICB, which features the Cactus Jack schnapps, Hawksbill rum and Rozél vodka brands in its portfolio, will subsequently be led by Quintessential’s former general counsel, Simon Witham, as interim MD.
Scott sold his interest in Quintessential a year ago.
“[ICB] is a good business with a strong leadership team and we believe that there is significant potential for growth both in the UK and beyond,” said Scott. “This is the first step in our strategy to create a leading group supplying a diverse range of drinks products to UK retailers and third-party brand owners.”
According to Kliro, Intercontinental’s annual volumes total around 2.5m nine-litre cases.
Earlier this month, Stock Spirits prepared to enter the tequila category through its agreement to acquire Sierra Tequila brand owner Borco-Marken-Import Matthiesen, also for an undisclosed fee.
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