By Tanya Steele
Four Pillars announced via social media on Tuesday 4 July that they have moved to complete ownership by juggernaut beverage company Lion.
Four Pillars Co-Founders, chief distiller, Cameron Mackenzie and brand and strategy director, Matt Jones will remain in the business in their current capacities while co-founder and trade director Stuart Gregor will remain in the short term before taking an extended sabbatical.
Cameron Mackenzie said it is a big positive for the business and is really about growth and development for Four Pillars, particularly in regards to larger scale production and distribution for the company.
“It’s a really exciting time and comes with a bit of fair bit of emotion because this is what we’ve been doing for the last decade, but there is comfort knowing that there is not a huge amount that will change,” he said.
The recent development comes a little over four years since Lion purchased 50% of the Yarra Valley-based gin business.
Mr Mackenzie said Lion will help the Four Pillars enter its next phase of growth.
“We partnered with Lion because we wanted to grow the business and they’ve got a great commitment to Healesville,” he said.
The acquisition includes ownership of the distillery in Healesville and all domestic and international sales and marketing of the brand.
Lion CEO Sam Fischer said he has welcomed the announcement.
“It’s not every day you get to buy the world’s best gin distillery but today Lion is absolutely thrilled to add Four Pillars to our portfolio,” he said.
“We look forward to supporting the continued growth of this remarkable brand, working with Cam and Matt to help drive our future plans. Alongside continued investment behind our core beer business, we see premium spirits as a real opportunity for future growth.”
Mr Mackenzie said that Four Pillars have been transparent with their staff about how the acquisition has progressed.
“They [Lion] are interested in encouraging us…they don’t want to stifle us,” he said.
The company want to continue to grow and thrive in Healesville and Mr Mackenzie said he has loved seeing local hospitality staff grow with the company.
“There are members of our team we’ve known for many, many years, their kids are now part of it and it’s been amazing,” he said.
Mr Mackenize said overall the acquisition is a really wonderful opportunity for Healesville and the Yarra Valley.
“It’s an amazing thing for the distilling industry and I hope in the future we can see further investment in the Australian distilling scene,” he said.
