Mark Anthony Brands International invests €5.5m in Glendalough Distillery
North American drinks production and distribution company Mark Anthony Brands has taken a significant stake in Glendalough Distillery, investing over €5.5m into the company.
Glendalough Distillery is backed by investors including rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll, and C&C chief financial officer Kenny Neison.
Founded five years ago by five friends, including two former Davy Stockbrokers analysts, Glendalough Distillery has a suite of brands including whiskey, poitin, gin and is building a distillery in Glendalough, which it will open to visitors next summer.
The drinks company has lured a large number of investors since it was founded, including Sean Cunningham, a well-known New York-based Irish publican who owns the trendy Brass Monkey bar there.
Mark Anthony Brands International, which is one of North America’s most diversified private beer, wine spirits and soft drinks companies paid €3.5m to acquire new shares in Glendalough Distillery, and €2m to buy shares from existing shareholders on a pro-rata basis.
Mark Anthony set up a European HQ in Dublin at the beginning of this year headed up by the experienced drinks marketer, Davin Nugent.