G&J Greenall under new ownership

G&J Greenall, the premium vodka and gin supplier and bottler, is under new ownership following a £7.5m management buy-in, buy-out led by current chief executive Christian Rose.

A new company G&J Greenall Group Limited has been formed following the buy-out by Rose and non-executive directors Enzo Visone and Warren Scott.

The spirits company was bought in 2006 by hotel operator De Vere Group, which has been looking to off-load the business as part of its disposal of non-core assets.

Rose had been credited with turning around the business' fortunes since he joined in 2008, with double-digit growth and total sales of £50m in 2010. The buy-out follows a launch of Greenall brands, which include its own-label gin and vodka, into the US.

Rose said: "This represents an extremely exciting time for the company as we look towards the future of our business. Never before have we been more focussed on our branded portfolio of products alongside our third party bulk and bottling contracts.

"The move is intended to strengthen the position of G&J Greenall as one of the UK's leading distillers of quality spirits and indeed, the future of the entire business overall. We will be working closely with the current management and new investors to continue our recent growth and capitalize on our innovations in both the on and off trade."