KENTUCKY BOURBON BARREL HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY INDEPENDENT STAVE COMPANY
ABOUT THE TRANSACTION:
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel (“KBB” or the “Company”) has been acquired by Independent Stave Company (“ISC” or the “Buyer”).
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, KBB operates at the center of one of the world’s most important bourbon markets. The family-owned company supplies high-quality, ready-for-filling used barrels to distilleries, wineries, and breweries worldwide.
KBB has built a reputation around the quality and diversity of its used bourbon and whiskey barrels. Previously filled barrels can impart distinctive aromas, flavors, and characteristics to spirits, wine, and beer. As a result, these barrels provide producers with additional opportunities to develop unique products and flavor profiles.
Independent Stave Company is a family-owned cooperage serving customers in more than 40 countries. The Boswell family founded ISC in 1912, establishing a business centered on cooperage craftmanship, innovation, and customer service. Today, ISC produces new oak barrels and other cooperage products for the spirits, wine, and brewing industries. The acquisition of KBB expands ISC’s ability to provide customers with sought-after previously filled barrels. Furthermore, the combination broadens access to barrels that previously aged bourbon, whiskey, and other distinctive liquids. These barrels can provide unique characteristics for customers developing new or differentiated products.
Tim Ratliff, President and co-owner of KBB, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with an organization sharing the Company’s vision and founding principles. He also emphasized KBB’s continued commitment to quality, service, product availability, and a diverse barrel portfolio. The transaction brings together two family-owned companies with complementary capabilities and strong positions within the cooperage and barrel industries. Additionally, Independent Stave Company provides KBB with resources and industry experience to support future opportunities while maintaining its commitment to customers.
Allston Advisory Group served as the exclusive financial advisor to Kentucky Bourbon Barrel and its owners. Allston performed an Analysis of Value and developed a confidential marketing strategy for the Company. Additionally, Allston identified prospective buyers, managed negotiations, assisted with due diligence, and facilitated the transaction through closing. Consequently, the transaction provided liquidity to KBB’s owners while establishing a strategic partnership with an experienced industry leader. The transaction structure also incorporated a stock exchange designed to address the Sellers’ objectives. Importantly, the combination provided KBB’s employees and customers with continuity under an established, well-capitalized new owner.
ABOUT ALLSTON ADVISORY GROUP:
Allston Advisory Group is an independent mergers and acquisitions advisory firm serving lower middle market companies throughout the United States. The firm provides sell-side advisory, business valuations, and exit strategies, to privately held companies across diverse industries. Allston works closely with business owners to understand their financial, strategic, and personal objectives before entering the market. The firm then manages a confidential and disciplined transaction process from initial preparation through closing.
For additional information on this transaction, please contact one of our advisors.
