Advising on the sale of Chase Distillery to Diageo

We advised the shareholders of grain-to-glass distillery, Chase, which is based in Herefordshire, on their proposed sale of the company to Diageo, the largest spirits producer in the world. The deal exchanged on 26 October 2020 and is due to complete in Q1 2021.

A team led by Simon Gill and Beth Mather advised the shareholders of Chase Distillery on their sale of the company to Diageo, which is its third gin-label acquisition this year. Gin brands currently make up only around 4% of Diageo’s spirits portfolio but it is one of the strongest spirits categories in the UK and growing globally.

Chase was founded in 2008 by potato farmer, William Chase, to provide a more sustainable level of income from his potato farm. He is also the creator of upmarket crisp company, Tyrrell’s. The Chase Distillery portfolio includes seven gins, four vodkas and an elderflower liqueur. In addition to Chase GB Gin, Chase has created a number of flavoured gins including Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo, Seville Marmalade and Rhubarb & Bramley Apple Gin. The portfolio also includes Williams Elegant 48 Gin, made using 48 rare varieties of apple.

Simon Gill, who has advised Chase Distillery since its inception and advised on the sale of Tyrrells Potato Chips to Langholm Capital for £40m, said “Chase Distillery have been pioneers in their production techniques and how they have developed a sustainable distillery. It’s fantastic to see investment by a global brand in a business which we have worked with since it started and has grown so significantly.”

Gurinder Sunner, head of BGF’s Midlands office, oversaw the deal alongside BGF investor, Joanne Smith.

Other members of the Gateley Legal deal team included Charlie Scott; Matthew Flint; John Buckby; Andrew Evans;  James Gopsill; Martin Jahreiss; Jo Symes; James White; Michael Collins; Chris Grainger; and Alison Davidson-Cox.