Australian-based beverage giant Lion has sealed the deal to acquire a remaining 50% stake in Yarra Valley-based craft gin brand Four Pillars Distillery. The acquisition is a follow-up to Lion's initial purchase of 50% of the brand in 2019. 

Following the acquisition, sum undisclosed, Lion will now take over ownership of the Four Pillars distillery in Healesville, as well as have full control over the sales and marketing operations of Four Pillars both domestically and internationally.

From left to right: Matt the Thinker, Stu the Drinker and Cam the Tinker. (Image source: Four Pillars)

Four Pillars was started in 2013 by three co-founders: chief distiller Cameron Mackenzie, brand and strategy director Matt Jones and trade director Stuart Gregor. The former two will be staying on in their current roles post-acquisitions, while Gregor will be taking a sabbatical after a transition period. 

| Read more: Deepdive into Four Pillars - Making Modern Australian Gin In Australia’s Wine Country

Reflecting on the acquisition, Lion CEO Sam Fischer shared: "It’s not every day you get to buy the world’s best gin distillery, but today Lion is absolutely thrilled to add Four Pillars to its portfolio. Twice winners of the International Gin Distillery of the year, on the shortlist again this year, and Australia’s benchmark craft spirit – it is a great day for our business." 

As part of the acquisition, Four Pillars will join Vanguard Luxury Brands, lion's distribution business which has been distributing the gin brand domestically since 2013. The combined Four Pillars and Vanguard business will be a single division called Four Corners Global Spirits, led by Ed Stening.

| Read more: Our review of the Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin

88 Bamboo Editorial Team