THE BenRiach Distillery Company, run by Scotch whisky industry veteran Billy Walker, has agreed to a £285 million takeover by Jack Daniel’s owner Brown-Forman Corporation.

Brown-Forman noted that the purchase would bring The GlenDronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh Scotch whisky brands into its portfolio.

The purchase will include brand trademarks, three malt whisky distilleries, a bottling plant, and The BenRiach Distillery Company’s headquarters in Edinburgh.

The deal will see one of the big independents in the Scotch whisky sector move into US ownership.

Billy Walker, managing director of The BenRiach Distillery Company, voiced his confidence that Brown-Forman would prove to be "worthy custodians of these historic distilleries".

The BenRiach Distillery Company, which has a workforce of 165 employees including 55 seasonal and casual workers, will operate as a subsidiary of Brown-Forman.

Mr Walker said: "We feel immensely privileged to have been custodians of this business for the last 12 years, and to be associated with these wonderful brands and great distilleries.

“Our team have energised these distilleries and engaged creatively and successfully with the premium end of the market. We are very confident that Brown-Forman will take The GlenDronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh brands to the next level and fulfill their full potential, and prove to be worthy custodians of these historic distilleries.”

Brown-Forman chief executive officer Paul Varga said: “The Glendronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh single malt brands are rich in history and we believe they will continue to prosper and grow in our hands.”