The future is secure for Glenmorangie

[Sally Toms]

The new French owners of Glenmorangie look set to justify the initial optimism that the sale prompted by taking a hands off approach to their new purchase and leaving the management, staff and pensions structure at the company as they are.

And LVMH, which includes some of the world's most prestigious and luxury brands within its portfolio, is indicating that it will invest in its acquisition and help turn whisky from the three distilleries in to world-renowned brands.

Staff at the company welcomed the purchase, particularly the decision to keep the bottling plant open. Other potential purchasers had hinted that the plant would go. Although it is impossible to predict its long term future, LVMH might consider moving the bottling of some of its other drinks brands to Scotland.

Brown Forman, one of the companies in the chase for the Glenmorangie estate, has announced that while it is selling its shares in the company, it will continue to hold distribution and marketing rights in the United States, and representation rights for the brands in several European markets.