Deal: Lion has acquired a minority stake in Vanguard Luxury Brands. The deal has been completed in conjunction with Lion’s 50 per cent acquisition of Four Pillars Gin, of which Vanguard has been the distributor of since the brand’s launch in 2013.

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.”

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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.”