Global beverage company Lion has acquired Australian craft spirit brand Four Pillars in a landmark deal.
The acquisition includes the ownership of the Healesville distillery and all domestic and international sales and marketing of the brand.
Lion CEO Sam Fischer said Lion is “thrilled” to add Four Pillars to its portfolio.
“Alongside continued investment behind our core beer business, we see premium spirits as a real opportunity for future growth.”
Four Pillars co-founders and chief distiller, Cameron Mackenzie and brand and strategy director, Matt Jones will remain in the business in their current capacities.
Mackenzie said Lion has played an “integral part” in expanding the brand across Australia and New Zealand.
“This is a great day for our brand, the business, our home in Healesville, our investors, families and staff. It does feel like it’s been a whirlwind 10 years, and this feels like the absolute right next step.”
Four Pillars’ co-founder and trade director, Stuart Gregor, will take an extended sabbatical but will remain with the business in the short term.
Four Pillars joins Lion’s owned Vanguard Luxury Brands distribution business and together will operate as a stand-alone spirits division within Lion Australia called Four Corners Global Spirits.
