Whisky firm Laing brothers part company Published duration 1 May 2013

image caption Fred Laing is now in sole control of Douglas Laing & Co

Two brothers who have run a whisky blending and bottling firm for the past 40 years have announced they are to go their separate ways in business.

Fred and Stewart Laing have divided up the assets of Douglas Laing & Co equally, with Stewart leaving to set up a new whisky firm, Hunter Laing & Co.

Brother Fred has taken total control of Douglas Laing.

The brothers said they wanted to build a secure future for the next generation of their families.

Under the arrangement, Stewart will retain a number of brands including Old Malt Cask, the Old & Rare Selection, House Of Peers and Sovereign Single Grain, as well as a bottling facility in East Kilbride.

Douglas Laing, under Fred's charge, will continue to offer their Single Cask Provenance range, as well as brands such as Director's Cut, Double Barrel, Premier Barrel, McGibbon's and Big Peat.

Fred's daughter Cara has joined his company as head of brands marketing, having worked at Morrison Bowmore Distillers as a marketing manager.

Hunter Laing & Co, which is based in Glasgow, plans to strengthen the position of brands now in its portfolio and develop new products.

Stewart Laing has been joined in the business by his two sons, Andrew and Scott, both of whom were directors of Edition Spirits Ltd, an independent bottler of single malt Scotch whisky.

'Perfect opportunity'

In a joint statement, Fred and Stewart said: "The Scotch whisky industry is in great shape at the moment and this presents each of us with the perfect opportunity to diversify and explore different projects with the next generation of our families.

"As drinkers around the world expand their whisky repertoire and seek out new flavours, the opportunities for niche players will flourish.