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Vijay Mallya

W&M is fourth largest producer of Scotch whisky in the world after William Grant, Pernod Ricard and Diageo.

Vijay Mallya of United Breweries, considering listing
his international spirits business in the London Stock Exchange.

New York , Oct. 17, 2007
Satwant Singh

Vijay Mallya, chairman of United Breweries in India, owner of Kingfisher Airlines, 50 pct strategic stake in US aircraft maker Epic Aircraft (Oregon) for US $120 million and after buying up Scotch maker Whyte & Mackay (W&M) for more than half a billion dollars is considering listing his international spirits business in the London Stock Exchange.

He said that a London listing would make it easier to raise capital to fund international deals. He wants to import W&M's brands into India as well as to China. There is strong demand worldwide and strong growing demand within India. W&M is fourth largest producer of Scotch whisky in the world after William Grant, Pernod Ricard and Diageo.

UK news paper, The Daily Telegraph said the London listing is unlikely to take place until next year once W&M's operations have been more closely integrated into the United Spirits' business. It is also unclear what valuation Mallya would seek for the company.

Mallya’s United Spirits Ltd (USL) has decided to come in with single malts, Dalmore and Jura, besides Whyte & Mackay blended Scotch whisky. USL, India’s biggest and the world’s third largest spirits marketer.

The government of India waived countervailing duties on imported liquor to avoid a dispute at the World Trade Organization. Each state was expected to come up with its own tax structure

Mumbai is the city that accounts for the most whisky consumption in the country. All the international liquor companies in Mumbay, have cut their imports drastically since the state introduced this new duty structure. In the existing duty regime, the retail prices of premium whiskies have gone up by more than 22% in the state that increase translates into an average retail price of Rs3,600 for a 750ml bottle of premium whisky.

The International Spirits and Wines Association of India has requested the state government to reinstate the earlier duty of Rs200 per litre for imported spirits. “Putting the duty back to the old form will result in a price reduction of Rs400-Rs500 per bottle.

 

 

Vijay Mallya- bought Whyte & Mackay (W&M) for more than half a billion dollars

Whyte & Mackay

Fairly average and uninspiring blended Scotch whisky. Certainly not a patch on FirstFoot 10 year old Speyside Single Malt which is quite unique and utterly magnificent.



  • Vijay Mallya (Kannada) was born December 18, 1955. He is an Indian businessman and Rajya Sabha MP... Read More