Is Independent Distillers planning an exit?

Drinks manufacturer Independent Distillers has denied reports it is to pull its entire operation out of the UK, despite growing speculation that it wants to exit the domestic market.

The group also squashed suggestions that its whole UK on-trade sales team was to be made redundant and that the UK rights to its brands were about to be bought by drinks company Halewood International.

Doubts have surrounded the New Zealand-based drinks group since the death of its founder and sole proprietor Michael Erceg in a helicopter crash in New Zealand last November.

Questions remain over whether a decision has been taken to withdraw operations from the UK with only a clutch of off-trade sales staff remaining - possibly to sell off stock.

Liverpool-based Halewood International, which owns and distributes brands such as Red Square vodka and Marca Bravara lager, is understood to be looking to buy the UK rights to several of Independent's brands - with Vodka Mudshake and Funky Monkey vodka shots heading the shopping list.

In a statement Halewood said it was "continually looking to deliver the very best range of products to our customers with the creation and acquisition of brands. We have a strict policy that we never comment on speculation".

It is also understood that Australian brewer Lion Nathan has been lined up to buy the worldwide business outright.

Founded in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1987 with a focus on discount beer and ready-to-drink spirits, Independent had expanded its operations into Australia and exports to Asia and Canada as well as the UK.