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European law firm Fieldfisher has advised The Sazerac Company, a long-standing Fieldfisher client, yesterday on its acquisition of Hazelwood Demesne Limited, owner of the Lough Gill Distillery in Sligo.
The Sazerac Company is headquartered in New Orleans and is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies with premium brands such as Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Paddy Irish Whiskey, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, and Southern Comfort.
Under the terms of the deal, The Sazerac Company will fully develop the 100+ acre site, the original demesne of Hazelwood House, to create a world-class whiskey facility and visitor attraction. The deal will result in significant economic development in the west of Ireland.
The legal team advising Sazerac on the acquisition was led from Fieldfisher's Dublin office, a cross-departmental team, assisted by colleagues in the wider firm.
Feilim O’Caoimh, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial spearheaded the deal alongside Conor Folan, Senior Associate, Corporate and Commercial.
They were supported by Paddy Smyth (Partner, Real Estate). Elaine Traynor (Partner, Renewable Energy), Barry Walsh (Partner Employment), Robert Fett (Associate, Data Protection) Patrick Reilly (Associate, Environmental and Planning), Aisling Ray (Associate, Public and Regulatory), Maeve Griffin (Associate, Employment), Evan O'Brien (Trainee, Corporate and Commercial) and Rosha Canavan (Trainee, Corporate and Commercial).
Commenting on the announcement, Feilim O’Caoimh, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial and Renewable Energy, said:
“Fieldfisher Ireland is proud to have used its expertise of the Irish legal and business landscape to assist the Sazerac Company on a very successful acquisition."
"We look forward to continuing to assist the Sazerac Company as it significantly grows the footprint of Lough Gill Distillery over the coming years. This deal marks an exciting time for the Irish whiskey industry, and the drinks industry more broadly.”