Distinguished Australian gin distillery Four Pillars has swapped its home-grown ownership for a bigger international presence.

This news has struck a chord amongst gin enthusiasts and loyal Four Pillar customers who have mixed feelings about the change in ownership.

Four Pillars, well-loved amongst gin and cocktail devotees, has been purchased by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol conglomerate Kirin. The latter gained complete ownership this Tuesday, buying out the remaining 50 per cent stake in the company for a whopping $50 million.

This comes two years after snapping up the initial half for $40 million in 2019.

Four Pillars, an iconic Australian distillery, has been bought by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol giant Kirin. Credit: Facebook/Four Pillars Distillery.

The move ushers in a new era for Four Pillars, as founders Stuart Gregor, Cameron McKenzie and Matt Jones perceive this as an opportunity to significantly enhance their business.

They shared in a press statement, 'Lion has been a wonderful, supportive partner since March 2019; they backed us at every step through [the pandemic], helped us fund our incredible new distillery and allowed us to grow, create and experiment in gin as much as we liked.'

Four Pillars is not just any gin brand—it's the crème de la crème of gin brands in Australia! With a shelf full of prestigious awards, it's no surprise that Four Pillars is the go-to choice for gin enthusiasts. In fact, they were crowned the coveted title of 'Distiller of the Year' at the 2022 World Gin Awards.

The popular gin brand, which gave birth to its first batch in 2013 in a rural winery at the edge of Melbourne, climbed quickly to achievement, stealing the hearts of gin lovers with its distinctive flavours. Its founders have always prioritised having fun while maintaining sustainability and producing the highest quality gin.

While the founders explicitly stated that they anticipate 'very little' will change in the 'short term', they remained silent on potential long-term changes brought on by new ownership.

While this may seem like corporate speak, what might this mean for our favourite tipple?

Such significant buyouts often lead to strategic and operational changes within the company. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will extend to their gin production. The commitment from Four Pillars is intact—they're still aiming to 'make the world's best gin'.

Fans of the gin distillery, however, have expressed mixed feelings about the big buyout. According to them, they enjoy supporting local, home-grown businesses.

And seeing them being bought by larger conglomerates sometimes leaves a bittersweet taste, as one endearing customer pointed out: 'Congrats for starting from nothing and turning it into such an awesome business. But very sad to see another great Australian company being bought out by an overseas conglomerate.'

Another customer commented on the change and said, 'I have mixed feelings. I prefer to support the small gin distilleries. I wish you all the best.'

No matter what one's feelings might be about this deal, Four Pillars has urged its supporters to 'judge us, and our new owners, by our collective actions'. Whilst Mr Gregor will be exiting the company later this year, Mr McKenzie and Mr Jones will be staying on.

Key Takeaways

• Four Pillars Gin, an award-winning Australian distillery, has been purchased by international beverage giant Lion Group.
• The company was bought for tens of millions of dollars, with Lion Group purchasing the remaining 50 per cent of shares they did not already own for a reported $50 million.
• The founders of Four Pillars Gin view the sale as an opportunity to advance the business but assure that 'very little' would be changing in the short term.
• Some fans have expressed disappointment that the popular Australian brand is now under overseas ownership.

Are you feeling a bit let down by the recent ownership shift and unsure if you want to stick with Four Pillars? No worries! Take a little detour and discover the amazing array of local Australian distilleries. Who knows, the gin of your dreams might be right around the corner, waiting to be savoured.

Meanwhile, let's raise a glass and send our best wishes to Four Pillars as they embark on this exciting new journey of global expansion.

​

Now, let's hear your thoughts, members! How does this news make you feel? And what's your take on Australian companies being snapped up by international giants? Don't hold back; share your opinions in the comments below!

 

[ElizabethL]

I couldn’t care less. Only read the article because you said “our favourite tipple” and I was intrigued to see what nonsense you were on about SDC.

 

[Luckyus]

Distinguished Australian gin distillery Four Pillars has swapped its home-grown ownership for a bigger international presence.

This news has struck a chord amongst gin enthusiasts and loyal Four Pillar customers who have mixed feelings about the change in ownership.

Four Pillars, well-loved amongst gin and cocktail devotees, has been purchased by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol conglomerate Kirin. The latter gained complete ownership this Tuesday, buying out the remaining 50 per cent stake in the company for a whopping $50 million.

This comes two years after snapping up the initial half for $40 million in 2019.

View attachment 24330

Four Pillars, an iconic Australian distillery, has been bought by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol giant Kirin. Credit: Facebook/Four Pillars Distillery.

The move ushers in a new era for Four Pillars, as founders Stuart Gregor, Cameron McKenzie and Matt Jones perceive this as an opportunity to significantly enhance their business.

They shared in a press statement, 'Lion has been a wonderful, supportive partner since March 2019; they backed us at every step through [the pandemic], helped us fund our incredible new distillery and allowed us to grow, create and experiment in gin as much as we liked.'

Four Pillars is not just any gin brand—it's the crème de la crème of gin brands in Australia! With a shelf full of prestigious awards, it's no surprise that Four Pillars is the go-to choice for gin enthusiasts. In fact, they were crowned the coveted title of 'Distiller of the Year' at the 2022 World Gin Awards.

The popular gin brand, which gave birth to its first batch in 2013 in a rural winery at the edge of Melbourne, climbed quickly to achievement, stealing the hearts of gin lovers with its distinctive flavours. Its founders have always prioritised having fun while maintaining sustainability and producing the highest quality gin.

While the founders explicitly stated that they anticipate 'very little' will change in the 'short term', they remained silent on potential long-term changes brought on by new ownership.

While this may seem like corporate speak, what might this mean for our favourite tipple?

Such significant buyouts often lead to strategic and operational changes within the company. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will extend to their gin production. The commitment from Four Pillars is intact—they're still aiming to 'make the world's best gin'.

Fans of the gin distillery, however, have expressed mixed feelings about the big buyout. According to them, they enjoy supporting local, home-grown businesses.

And seeing them being bought by larger conglomerates sometimes leaves a bittersweet taste, as one endearing customer pointed out: 'Congrats for starting from nothing and turning it into such an awesome business. But very sad to see another great Australian company being bought out by an overseas conglomerate.'

Another customer commented on the change and said, 'I have mixed feelings. I prefer to support the small gin distilleries. I wish you all the best.'

No matter what one's feelings might be about this deal, Four Pillars has urged its supporters to 'judge us, and our new owners, by our collective actions'. Whilst Mr Gregor will be exiting the company later this year, Mr McKenzie and Mr Jones will be staying on.

Key Takeaways

• Four Pillars Gin, an award-winning Australian distillery, has been purchased by international beverage giant Lion Group.
• The company was bought for tens of millions of dollars, with Lion Group purchasing the remaining 50 per cent of shares they did not already own for a reported $50 million.
• The founders of Four Pillars Gin view the sale as an opportunity to advance the business but assure that 'very little' would be changing in the short term.
• Some fans have expressed disappointment that the popular Australian brand is now under overseas ownership.

Are you feeling a bit let down by the recent ownership shift and unsure if you want to stick with Four Pillars? No worries! Take a little detour and discover the amazing array of local Australian distilleries. Who knows, the gin of your dreams might be right around the corner, waiting to be savoured.

Meanwhile, let's raise a glass and send our best wishes to Four Pillars as they embark on this exciting new journey of global expansion.

View attachment 24358​

Now, let's hear your thoughts, members! How does this news make you feel? And what's your take on Australian companies being snapped up by international giants? Don't hold back; share your opinions in the comments below!

Never heard of them.

 

[Shane/#]

Distinguished Australian gin distillery Four Pillars has swapped its home-grown ownership for a bigger international presence.

This news has struck a chord amongst gin enthusiasts and loyal Four Pillar customers who have mixed feelings about the change in ownership.

Four Pillars, well-loved amongst gin and cocktail devotees, has been purchased by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol conglomerate Kirin. The latter gained complete ownership this Tuesday, buying out the remaining 50 per cent stake in the company for a whopping $50 million.

This comes two years after snapping up the initial half for $40 million in 2019.

View attachment 24330

Four Pillars, an iconic Australian distillery, has been bought by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol giant Kirin. Credit: Facebook/Four Pillars Distillery.

The move ushers in a new era for Four Pillars, as founders Stuart Gregor, Cameron McKenzie and Matt Jones perceive this as an opportunity to significantly enhance their business.

They shared in a press statement, 'Lion has been a wonderful, supportive partner since March 2019; they backed us at every step through [the pandemic], helped us fund our incredible new distillery and allowed us to grow, create and experiment in gin as much as we liked.'

Four Pillars is not just any gin brand—it's the crème de la crème of gin brands in Australia! With a shelf full of prestigious awards, it's no surprise that Four Pillars is the go-to choice for gin enthusiasts. In fact, they were crowned the coveted title of 'Distiller of the Year' at the 2022 World Gin Awards.

The popular gin brand, which gave birth to its first batch in 2013 in a rural winery at the edge of Melbourne, climbed quickly to achievement, stealing the hearts of gin lovers with its distinctive flavours. Its founders have always prioritised having fun while maintaining sustainability and producing the highest quality gin.

While the founders explicitly stated that they anticipate 'very little' will change in the 'short term', they remained silent on potential long-term changes brought on by new ownership.

While this may seem like corporate speak, what might this mean for our favourite tipple?

Such significant buyouts often lead to strategic and operational changes within the company. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will extend to their gin production. The commitment from Four Pillars is intact—they're still aiming to 'make the world's best gin'.

Fans of the gin distillery, however, have expressed mixed feelings about the big buyout. According to them, they enjoy supporting local, home-grown businesses.

And seeing them being bought by larger conglomerates sometimes leaves a bittersweet taste, as one endearing customer pointed out: 'Congrats for starting from nothing and turning it into such an awesome business. But very sad to see another great Australian company being bought out by an overseas conglomerate.'

Another customer commented on the change and said, 'I have mixed feelings. I prefer to support the small gin distilleries. I wish you all the best.'

No matter what one's feelings might be about this deal, Four Pillars has urged its supporters to 'judge us, and our new owners, by our collective actions'. Whilst Mr Gregor will be exiting the company later this year, Mr McKenzie and Mr Jones will be staying on.

Key Takeaways

• Four Pillars Gin, an award-winning Australian distillery, has been purchased by international beverage giant Lion Group.
• The company was bought for tens of millions of dollars, with Lion Group purchasing the remaining 50 per cent of shares they did not already own for a reported $50 million.
• The founders of Four Pillars Gin view the sale as an opportunity to advance the business but assure that 'very little' would be changing in the short term.
• Some fans have expressed disappointment that the popular Australian brand is now under overseas ownership.

Are you feeling a bit let down by the recent ownership shift and unsure if you want to stick with Four Pillars? No worries! Take a little detour and discover the amazing array of local Australian distilleries. Who knows, the gin of your dreams might be right around the corner, waiting to be savoured.

Meanwhile, let's raise a glass and send our best wishes to Four Pillars as they embark on this exciting new journey of global expansion.

View attachment 24358​

Now, let's hear your thoughts, members! How does this news make you feel? And what's your take on Australian companies being snapped up by international giants? Don't hold back; share your opinions in the comments below!

I'm not a Gin drinker but to see an Australian company brought out by another multinational company is sad for Australia congratulations to the owner's becoming multi millionaire well done but once small companies are brought up like this the product changes and its all about international sale's using the Australian name and profits sad that way for customers from Australia supporters of the origins of the product

 

[Barbara V]

Never heard of it

 

[Subduedshilo]

Distinguished Australian gin distillery Four Pillars has swapped its home-grown ownership for a bigger international presence.

This news has struck a chord amongst gin enthusiasts and loyal Four Pillar customers who have mixed feelings about the change in ownership.

Four Pillars, well-loved amongst gin and cocktail devotees, has been purchased by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol conglomerate Kirin. The latter gained complete ownership this Tuesday, buying out the remaining 50 per cent stake in the company for a whopping $50 million.

This comes two years after snapping up the initial half for $40 million in 2019.

View attachment 24330

Four Pillars, an iconic Australian distillery, has been bought by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol giant Kirin. Credit: Facebook/Four Pillars Distillery.

The move ushers in a new era for Four Pillars, as founders Stuart Gregor, Cameron McKenzie and Matt Jones perceive this as an opportunity to significantly enhance their business.

They shared in a press statement, 'Lion has been a wonderful, supportive partner since March 2019; they backed us at every step through [the pandemic], helped us fund our incredible new distillery and allowed us to grow, create and experiment in gin as much as we liked.'

Four Pillars is not just any gin brand—it's the crème de la crème of gin brands in Australia! With a shelf full of prestigious awards, it's no surprise that Four Pillars is the go-to choice for gin enthusiasts. In fact, they were crowned the coveted title of 'Distiller of the Year' at the 2022 World Gin Awards.

The popular gin brand, which gave birth to its first batch in 2013 in a rural winery at the edge of Melbourne, climbed quickly to achievement, stealing the hearts of gin lovers with its distinctive flavours. Its founders have always prioritised having fun while maintaining sustainability and producing the highest quality gin.

While the founders explicitly stated that they anticipate 'very little' will change in the 'short term', they remained silent on potential long-term changes brought on by new ownership.

While this may seem like corporate speak, what might this mean for our favourite tipple?

Such significant buyouts often lead to strategic and operational changes within the company. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will extend to their gin production. The commitment from Four Pillars is intact—they're still aiming to 'make the world's best gin'.

Fans of the gin distillery, however, have expressed mixed feelings about the big buyout. According to them, they enjoy supporting local, home-grown businesses.

And seeing them being bought by larger conglomerates sometimes leaves a bittersweet taste, as one endearing customer pointed out: 'Congrats for starting from nothing and turning it into such an awesome business. But very sad to see another great Australian company being bought out by an overseas conglomerate.'

Another customer commented on the change and said, 'I have mixed feelings. I prefer to support the small gin distilleries. I wish you all the best.'

No matter what one's feelings might be about this deal, Four Pillars has urged its supporters to 'judge us, and our new owners, by our collective actions'. Whilst Mr Gregor will be exiting the company later this year, Mr McKenzie and Mr Jones will be staying on.

Key Takeaways

• Four Pillars Gin, an award-winning Australian distillery, has been purchased by international beverage giant Lion Group.
• The company was bought for tens of millions of dollars, with Lion Group purchasing the remaining 50 per cent of shares they did not already own for a reported $50 million.
• The founders of Four Pillars Gin view the sale as an opportunity to advance the business but assure that 'very little' would be changing in the short term.
• Some fans have expressed disappointment that the popular Australian brand is now under overseas ownership.

Are you feeling a bit let down by the recent ownership shift and unsure if you want to stick with Four Pillars? No worries! Take a little detour and discover the amazing array of local Australian distilleries. Who knows, the gin of your dreams might be right around the corner, waiting to be savoured.

Meanwhile, let's raise a glass and send our best wishes to Four Pillars as they embark on this exciting new journey of global expansion.

View attachment 24358​

Now, let's hear your thoughts, members! How does this news make you feel? And what's your take on Australian companies being snapped up by international giants? Don't hold back; share your opinions in the comments below!

As much as I like to hear of aussies doing good I have to ask why they felt the need to sell outside Australia. Another company lost. When do we stop selling to these big overseas companies??? So much for Australia being Australian. Our land is being sold off. Our resources are being sold off. Our businesses are being sold off. What’s next? US????

 

[Jay Jay]

Distinguished Australian gin distillery Four Pillars has swapped its home-grown ownership for a bigger international presence.

This news has struck a chord amongst gin enthusiasts and loyal Four Pillar customers who have mixed feelings about the change in ownership.

Four Pillars, well-loved amongst gin and cocktail devotees, has been purchased by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol conglomerate Kirin. The latter gained complete ownership this Tuesday, buying out the remaining 50 per cent stake in the company for a whopping $50 million.

This comes two years after snapping up the initial half for $40 million in 2019.

View attachment 24330

Four Pillars, an iconic Australian distillery, has been bought by Lion Group, a subsidiary of Japanese alcohol giant Kirin. Credit: Facebook/Four Pillars Distillery.

The move ushers in a new era for Four Pillars, as founders Stuart Gregor, Cameron McKenzie and Matt Jones perceive this as an opportunity to significantly enhance their business.

They shared in a press statement, 'Lion has been a wonderful, supportive partner since March 2019; they backed us at every step through [the pandemic], helped us fund our incredible new distillery and allowed us to grow, create and experiment in gin as much as we liked.'

Four Pillars is not just any gin brand—it's the crème de la crème of gin brands in Australia! With a shelf full of prestigious awards, it's no surprise that Four Pillars is the go-to choice for gin enthusiasts. In fact, they were crowned the coveted title of 'Distiller of the Year' at the 2022 World Gin Awards.

The popular gin brand, which gave birth to its first batch in 2013 in a rural winery at the edge of Melbourne, climbed quickly to achievement, stealing the hearts of gin lovers with its distinctive flavours. Its founders have always prioritised having fun while maintaining sustainability and producing the highest quality gin.

While the founders explicitly stated that they anticipate 'very little' will change in the 'short term', they remained silent on potential long-term changes brought on by new ownership.

While this may seem like corporate speak, what might this mean for our favourite tipple?

Such significant buyouts often lead to strategic and operational changes within the company. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will extend to their gin production. The commitment from Four Pillars is intact—they're still aiming to 'make the world's best gin'.

Fans of the gin distillery, however, have expressed mixed feelings about the big buyout. According to them, they enjoy supporting local, home-grown businesses.

And seeing them being bought by larger conglomerates sometimes leaves a bittersweet taste, as one endearing customer pointed out: 'Congrats for starting from nothing and turning it into such an awesome business. But very sad to see another great Australian company being bought out by an overseas conglomerate.'

Another customer commented on the change and said, 'I have mixed feelings. I prefer to support the small gin distilleries. I wish you all the best.'

No matter what one's feelings might be about this deal, Four Pillars has urged its supporters to 'judge us, and our new owners, by our collective actions'. Whilst Mr Gregor will be exiting the company later this year, Mr McKenzie and Mr Jones will be staying on.

Key Takeaways

• Four Pillars Gin, an award-winning Australian distillery, has been purchased by international beverage giant Lion Group.
• The company was bought for tens of millions of dollars, with Lion Group purchasing the remaining 50 per cent of shares they did not already own for a reported $50 million.
• The founders of Four Pillars Gin view the sale as an opportunity to advance the business but assure that 'very little' would be changing in the short term.
• Some fans have expressed disappointment that the popular Australian brand is now under overseas ownership.

Are you feeling a bit let down by the recent ownership shift and unsure if you want to stick with Four Pillars? No worries! Take a little detour and discover the amazing array of local Australian distilleries. Who knows, the gin of your dreams might be right around the corner, waiting to be savoured.

Meanwhile, let's raise a glass and send our best wishes to Four Pillars as they embark on this exciting new journey of global expansion.

View attachment 24358​

Now, let's hear your thoughts, members! How does this news make you feel? And what's your take on Australian companies being snapped up by international giants? Don't hold back; share your opinions in the comments below!

Very disappointed that Four Pillars is now, like so many Australian companies, completely foreign-owned. I have enjoyed their Bloody Shiraz Gin for a few years now and loved the gin tasting experiences at Healesville.
I also was delighted in 2019, when visiting friends in Yorkshire, England, to see Four Pillars featured at a local major food and wine festival. We tasted, enjoyed, and chatted to an Aussie who was one of the owners, and who said Four Pillars had an excellent market in the U.K.
I really hope that this fantastic now 'ex-Australian' company does not undergo any negative changes in the short or long term future.

 

[Colette 3799]

I have never really enjoyed Gin but friends bought me the Shiraz gin a couple of years back and it is delicious! I lived in the Yarra Valley so I know Four Pillars well. It a shame it has been sold. I also hope they don’t make too many changes.

 

[Pommyoz]

As much as I like to hear of aussies doing good I have to ask why they felt the need to sell outside Australia. Another company lost. When do we stop selling to these big overseas companies??? So much for Australia being Australian. Our land is being sold off. Our resources are being sold off. Our businesses are being sold off. What’s next? US????

Yep! if you are W...E!!

 

[KaraJenna]

There are plenty of other good Aussie gins to choose from!
Many years ago our family had a policy of only imbibing Aussie owned and made wines. When bought by the conglomerates they were dropped. Support Australian made!