John Distilleries Private Limited (JDPL) a leading Indian spirits company, today announced that The Sazerac Company — owners of Fireball, Southern Comfort, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and E.H. Taylor Bourbon — has acquired an equity stake in JDPL from Gaja Capital.

JDPL had gross revenues of over INR 28 billion in FY17. With sales of more than 13 million cases, the Indian company’s portfolio includes Paul John Single Malt, Original Choice Whisky, Bangalore Malt, and Big Banyan wines.

This strategic partnership marks Sazerac’s entry into the Indian market, one of the largest and fastest growing markets for spirits in the world.

“Sazerac’s technological expertise coupled with a global portfolio of brands spread across all spirit categories, will be an added advantage for JDPL both in domestic and in global markets,” says Paul John, JDPL’s chairman and managing director. “We look forward to this partnership with Sazerac and in continuing to make our brands even stronger.”

Jefferies India acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Gaja Capital and Sazerac was advised by Rabobank. Gaja Capital will continue to remain partially invested in JDPL.