Allied Blenders backs out of Good Barrel Distillery purchase
Indian spirits producer Allied Blenders and Distillers has decided not to acquire a majority share of Good Barrel Distillery.
On 29 January 2025, Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) wrote to the National Stock Exchange of India and ABD’s board of directors about plans to buy up to 51% of Good Barrel Distillery, with the option to purchase the business entirely.
However, in a letter submitted this month (14 August) to the National Stock Exchange of India, ABD said it would no longer be pursuing the acquisition.
The letter stated: “In this connection, we wish to inform you that as part of due diligence process, certain commercial considerations emerged, which required renegotiation of specific terms.
“Despite best efforts, the parties could not reach mutually acceptable terms and hence the board has decided not to proceed with the proposed acquisition.
“The company will continue to explore both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. The withdrawal of the proposed transaction has no material/financial impact, as the transaction was at a preliminary stage.”
In February this year, Mumbai-headquartered ABD did go ahead with its acquisition of Goa-based Fullarton Distilleries for an undisclosed amount.
ABD is India’s third-largest spirits company.
Fullarton’s portfolio included Woodburns Indian whisky, Pumori Small Batch Gin, and Segredo Aldeia Rum.
Commenting on the acquisition at the time, Alok Gupta, managing director of ABD, said: “We recognise that the luxury segment is where we have a right to win, where we can truly add value. Acquiring these brands is a natural next step in our premiumisation strategy.
“This isn’t just an acquisition; it demonstrates our deep understanding of where we can create the most value. This is the future of ABD, and we’re executing this vision with precision.”
ABD’s portfolio also includes Indian whiskies Officer’s Choice, Iconiq White Whisky, and Sterling Reserve Premium Whiskies. In 2024, the volume sales for each whisky in respective order were 21.3 million nine-litre cases, 4.5m cases, and 3.9m cases.
More information about their performances in 2024, plus the world’s other million-case-selling spirits, can be found in The Brand Champions 2025 report.
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