Remy Cointreau in talks to buy Scottish distillery

French spirits group Remy Cointreau is in talks to buy Scottish whisky maker Bruichladdich Distillery as it looks to tap booming demand for whisky from emerging markets in Asia.

Remy Cointreau, the maker of Remy Martin cognac, Cointreau Liqueur and Mount Gay Rum, sold its champagne division last year and had since been looking for a premium whisky or brand to add to its portfolio.

Bruichladdich, a distiller of single-malt Scotch whisky based on the Isle of Islay, generates annual sales of around €15m, a Remy Cointreau spokeswoman said yesterday.