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Lion acquires stake in premium spirits distributor
Russell Kennedy Aitken Lawyers and King & Wood Mallesons have advised on a deal which sees Lion acquire a minority stake in premium spirits distributor Vanguard Luxury Brands.
Emma Musgrave
Firms: Russell Kennedy Aitken Lawyers (Vanguard Luxury Brands); King & Wood Mallesons (Lion)
Value: Confidential
Area: M&A, finance
Key players: The team acting for Russell Kennedy Aitken Lawyers was led by senior associate Kate Littlewood, with assistance from principals Andrew Aitken and Rohan Harris.
Deal significance: This transaction marks Lion’s entry into the premium spirits sector.
“This investment means we will go even further in providing the best brands for the best bars and retailers, and for that reason we are truly at the forefront of Australia’s flourishing craft and premium spirits industry,” said Vanguard founder and managing director James France.
“I look forward to continuing to lead the Vanguard business as managing director. The culture and focus on premium brands that Vanguard is known for will be maintained, and we are enormously proud of this.”
Meanwhile, Lion managing director James Brindley said: “James France is widely recognised and respected within the premium spirits industry here and around the world”.
“James and his team at Vanguard have been working closely with influential bartenders, hospitality operators and retailers for over a decade. Vanguard is a fabulous business and we at Lion will work hard to ensure we support Vanguard in continued service and engagement with our customers.
“This partnership is a combination of two strong businesses with complementary strengths and we are excited to see the growth that will come.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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