Whyte and Mackay

Glasgow based Whyte & Mackay is one of Scotland's most recognisable brands, the company has a long history dating back to the 1843. The company has specialised in Whisky since the late 19th century and became a limited company in 1919. Owned by billionaire Vijay Mallya since 2007 the company operate a grain distillery in Invergordon and malt distilleries at Dalmore near Inverness, Fettercairn in Kincardineshire, on the island of Jura and at Tamnavulin on Speyside, they also make Vladivar vodka and Glayva liqueur .

Company Ownership

The company became part of Sir Hugh Fraser's Scottish and Universal Investments (SUITS) group in 1971. Two years later Tomintoul and Fettercairn distilleries were purchased. SUITS was acquired by Lonrho in 1981 and subsequently Whyte & Mackay was sold to Brent Walker in 1988 and then to American Brands (now Fortune Brands) in 1990. In 2001 Fortune Brands sold Whyte & Mackay to 'Kyndal' in a £200 million management buyout backed by German investment bank, WestLB. In February 2005, Vivien Immerman bought Whyte & Mackay from WestLB and embarked on a long term investment programme to ensure the continued growth of the brand . In 2007 Vijay Mallya bought the company in a £594 million pound deal.

Affiliations

• Former members of the Scotch Whisky Association