US spirits producer Sazerac has confirmed its acquisition of the Michael Collins Irish whiskey brand, which was previously owned by the Sidney Frank Importing Company.
The Buffalo Trace Distillery owner has purchased all intellectual property relating to the whiskey, including the global trademark and brand rights, from Eagle Sellers' Rep, LLC.
Until recently, Michael Collins was owned by Sidney Frank Importing Company (SFIC), which then sold the brand to Eagle Sellers.
Michael Collins joins the Cancannon brand in Sazerac's Irish whiskey portfolio.
Earlier this year SFIC withdrew its lawsuit against Beam Suntory relating to a supply contract for the Michael Collins whiskey brand.
SFIC initially sued Beam Suntory for US$100 million, claiming that company had "wrongfully terminated" a supply contract between Micheal Collins and the Cooley Distillery.
Speaking to The Spirits Business, Sazerac CEO Mark Brown said the group was "generally very acquisitive" and was "certainly interested" in several Beam products before its sale to Suntory.