Stolen Spirits pulls in major US investor
The Stolen Rum maker is now majority owned by a US investor - with special audio feature.
Click the NBR Radio box for on-demand special feature audio: Stolen Australasia chief executive Kyle Melnyk on his latest investor
Independent drinks company Stolen Spirits has pulled in a major US shareholder, who invested $21 million into the business.
In return, Chicago-based Liquid Asset Brands has taken a majority stake in Auckland-based Stolen, which produces four types of rum.
The investment will provide growth capital and help Stolen expand its portfolio to include a smoked whiskey, other rum releases and new products under development.
In particular, Liquid Asset will help the company move into the crowded US market. From early next year, Stolen Smoked Rum will be launched in key US states before rolling out nationwide.
“We consider Stolen to be one of the best emerging spirit brands to come to market in the last few years,” says Liquid Asset chief executive Marc Bushala. “We love Stolen’s unique brand positioning and innovation in the rum category.”
Liquid Asset’s investment comes just after selling Louisville-based Angel’s Share Brands to liquor giant Bacardi, for an undisclosed amount. How big the Stolen stake is has also not been disclosed.
Stolen Australasia chief executive Kyle Melnyk says the investment represents the most important milestone since the business was founded in 2010, out of a one-bedroom Mt Eden flat.
“This cornerstone investment allows Stolen to remain private, so we can continue to innovate and stay true to [our] ethos of being a disruptive challenger brand.”
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Calida Smylie
Wed, 18 Nov 2015
Wed, 18 Nov 2015
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Stolen Spirits pulls in major US investor
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