Glenmorangie sells the Scotch Malt Whisky Society

The Glenmorangie Company has sold the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) to a group of private investors to allow the group to focus on its Ardbeg and Glenmorangie brands.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has been owned by The Glenmorangie Company since 2004

Having acquired the SMWS in 2004, The Glenmorangie Co. has expanded the society to include over 26,000 members worldwide, with branches in 19 countries.

It now also bottles around 350 single casks every year from a range of distilleries.

The unnamed group of private investors will now take over the society’s management, leaving The Glenmorangie Co to focus on promoting its own single malt whiskies.

Marc Hoellinger, president and CEO, The Glenmorangie Company, which is owned by LVMH, said: “This decision is a continuation of The Glenmorangie Company’s successful strategy since 2007 to focus our energies and efforts on developing the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands globally.

“We believe this change in investor for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will ensure The Society continues to prosper and expand as the world’s foremost whisky club. We wish them every success.”

Both The Glenmorangie Co. and the SMWS have said the new ownership will “enable the society to flourish”.

Paul Miles, managing director, the SMWS, said: “After careful consideration The Scotch Malt Whisky Society management team and The Glenmorangie Company have agreed to change the owner of The Society to a group of private investors.

“We are confident the new group of private investors will help The Scotch Malt Whisky Society to thrive and grow.”

The SMWS was first founded in Edinburgh in 1983.