The Japanese spirits conglomerate Suntory Holdings has acquired a 10% stake in Edrington, the maker of The Macallan, Highland Park, Brugal and Wyoming Whiskey, among other brands.

This agreement builds on the existing strategic partnership between Edrington and Suntory Holdings, dating back to the early 1990s. Suntory has a long-term shareholding in The Macallan, the leading brand in Edrington’s portfolio.

Suntory Holdings has also been an important distributor of Edrington brands in several international markets over the past four decades, including Japan, Germany, Canada and South Africa; and through joint ventures in the UK, Spain and Russia.

“Edrington has a successful long-standing strategic partnership with Suntory,” says Scott McCroskie, Edrington CEO. “We share a similar ethos and the same passion for craftsmanship, innovation and quality in our brands. We look forward to cementing and building this deep relationship over the coming years.”

The agreement will provide an inflow of funds to Edrington’s principal shareholder, The Robertson Trust, while also providing funds for Edrington’s employee share scheme.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Macallan in recent time has released its annual Lunar New Year Gift Set, while appointing its first-ever female master whisky maker.