Boru vodka makers to merge with US company

THE maker of Boru vodka is to merge with a US drinks company in a move that will create over 30 jobs and lead to a €10m investment in the company.

Dublin-based Roaring Water Bay Spirits, which was set up in 1998 and also makes Clontarf Irish Whiskey and O'Leary's Irish Cream, said it would join forces with Great Spirits, a New York producer and marketer of premium distilled spirits.

Roaring Water Bay currently employs 15 staff and has annual turnover of €8m. The group raised approximately €15m from a private placing of shares in the US last year. Boru enjoys a 14% share of the Irish premium vodka market but has been more successful in Dublin, where it is in number two position with 20% market share.