Lion has purchased Victorian-based distillery Four Pillars Gin after acquiring 50 per cent of the brand back in 2019.
Four Pillars Co-Founders Stuart Gregor, Cameron Mackenzie, and Matt Jones took to Instagram to announce the news, referring to the sale as an “opportunity to take our business to the next level, yet again”.
“Lion is now the full owner of Australia’s finest gin business,” reads the post.
“Lion has been a wonderful, supportive partner since March 2019. This is a great day for our investors who supported us when we were nothing more than a pipe dream. It is also a day where we need to reinforce what we have done and what we will continue to do: make the world’s best gin at the world’s most sustainable distillery.”
Four Pillars’ distillery in Healesville as well as all domestic and international sales of the brand are now under the ownership of Lion, with the brand joining the Vanguard Luxury Brands distribution business.
However, the combined Four Pillars and Vanguard business will operate as a standalone division: Four Corners Global Spirits led by Ed Stening.
“It’s not every day you get to buy the world’s best gin distillery but today Lion is absolutely thrilled to add Four Pillars to our portfolio,” says Lion CEO Sam Fischer.
Four Pillars say very little will change in the short term, with the gin business very much focused on growth.
Mackenzie and Jones will remain with the business, while Gregor will “sail off into a gin-soaked sunset come September … but will likely be back for special appearances”.
“We look forward to supporting the continued growth of this remarkable brand, working with Cam and Matt to help drive our future plans,” says Fischer.
“Alongside continued investment behind our core beer business, we see premium spirits as a real opportunity for future growth.”
The sale of Four Pillars is momentous for the local drinks landscape, with the gin brand one of the most celebrated, awarded, and recognisable in the country.
“We want to thank you for supporting us over the journey,” say Mackenzie, Jones, and Gregor.
“One decade of delicious memories and drinks – we promise there will be many more to come.”