EMC Advises The Drinks Company on Sale to Stock Spirits Group
April 2025
Deal Type
Business Sale
Our role
Lead Advisor
Leisure, Retail & Consumer
EMC Corporate Finance is delighted to announce its involvement in the sale of The Drinks Company, a UK-based independent spirits importer and distributor, to Stock Spirits Group.
EMC Advises The Drinks Company on Sale to Stock Spirits Group
The EMC team, led by Michael Pay, acted as the sell side lead advisor on the transaction.
Founded in 1996, The Drinks Company has built a strong reputation across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, and the travel retail sector. The Drinks Company’s well-established trade relationships and operational expertise provide Stock Spirits with an established route-to-market, allowing the Group to enhance its ability to serve UK customers. The acquisition will also bring Sierra Tequila’s existing UK distribution under Stock Spirits’ direct control, ensuring a seamless transition and integrated approach to brand growth in the region.
Stock Spirits Group will begin its UK expansion with the launch of two new products, Sierra Tequila ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and Limonce Aperitivo, with further investment into team expansion, brand-building and product innovations planned for the future.
This move strengthens Stock Spirits Group’s ability to expand into one of Europe’s largest markets and supports its ambition to become a leading spirits company in Europe by 2027.
We are delighted to have been at the heart of building the Sierra Tequila brand in the British Isles since 1997. From “zero to hero” with consistency, quality and value. Sierra Tequila enjoyed its best ever year in 2024 and the story continues.
EMC’s team, led by Michael Pay, were invaluable in navigating the complex world of mergers and acquisitions, and their professional, yet commercial approach, demonstrated why they are so highly regarded as experts in their sphere. We would like to thank Michael and the EMC team for their guidance and support through, what for us, is the culmination of our careers so far.
BILLY ODDY & DENISE MCARDLE, DIRECTORS AT THE DRINKS COMPANY
I am excited to be taking over the mantle from Denise and Bill, they have built Sierra Tequila into the leading brand in the UK.
Working opposite such a professional team as that of EMC was a pleasure and certainly smoothed the bumps that naturally come through an acquisition process’s negotiations.
ROB CURTEIS, GENERAL MANAGER OF UK OPERATIONS FOR STOCK
It was a pleasure to represent Denise and Bill. They have built up a hugely successful business that continues to perform strongly year in year out and we have no doubt that the new home under the Stock umbrella will continue this success.
mICHAEL PAY, DIRECTOR AT EMC
The Drinks Company were advised by EMC Corporate Finance (Lead Advisory), DMH Stallard (Legal); Kreston Reeves (FDD and Tax).
The buyers was advised by PWC (FDD) and Gateleys (Legal).
For further information, please get in touch with EMC Corporate Finance on +44 1273 945984 or email michael.pay@emcltd.co.uk
The EMC Team
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